WHAT SEDDONISM MEANS.

New Zealand Graphic, 27 June 1906, Page 42

WHAT SEDDONISM MEANS.

. Nor were the people deaf to this impressive appeal. In spite of all that politicians may say or do, the people are in the long run the best judges of tbi'ii own interests. “You cannot fool all the people all the time,” as Lincoln put it; and the men and women who have clung so faithfully to “ Seddonism ’ for these past thirteen years have always felt and known that the Premier had thought first and last of them, and that on the whole, in spite of occasional errors of judgment, his work had benefited them incalculably. Perhaps no better interpretation of Democratic Liberalism, as it appears to the people themselves, could be offered than the following circular, which was issued by the Liberal organisers during the campaign:—• ELECTORS OF NEW ZEALAND, HOW WILL YOU DECIDE? - . . The time is again rapidly approaching when you will have to testify your approval or otherwise of the services rendered you by the present Liberal Government—the Administration to whom some fourteen years ago you entrusted the destinies of your country. CAPITALISTS AND EMPLOYERS OF LABOUR, is it ypur opinion: (1) That an honest, successful attempt has been made to equitably adjust and apportion the respective claims of capital and labour, so that whil® the latter receives its due reward, the former is adequately protected in the prosecution of all just enterprises? (2) That while the resources of the colony arc being developed, strikes, and all other labour troubles so disastrous to the prosecution of industrial and manufacturing enterprises have been utterly banished? (3) That manufacturers and other employers of labour —secure in the stability of the labour market —can now carry out their undertakings on an assured and reliable basis? (4) Do you think that the timely intervention of the Government in saving the Bank of New Zealand from bankruptcy averted serious commercial disaster from the colony? If you consider that in these matters the Government has faithfully assisted you, it confidently awaits your verdict on polling day! FARMERS. (1) Do you remember the Property Tax, under which every fence, every building, every aero of ground you improved, in fact, everything you possessed from your cradle to your coffin, were alike subject to taxation? Do you consider that the present Administration, immediately on its accession to office, consulted your best interests by abolishing this tax under which not one penny-worth of your improvements are taxed? (2) Do you think that the efforts made to assist you by appointing up to-date experts to teach you the best methods of raising live stock, fruit, dairy and other produce, and carefully testing and grading these, so that they may command a ready and profitable sale in distant markets, are distinctly to your advantage? (3) Under the alterations made in the laud laws by the present Liberal Government, the wealthy speculators can no longer “ pick the eyes out” of the blocks of land offered for sale. This enables your sons and others who have a large experience of farming, and but limited capital, to acquire suitable land whereon to found homes for themselves. Have these alterations been of substantial benefit to you? (4) Do you think that the millions of money specially raised and lent out at low rates for the improvement of your farms and homes has materially assisted you towards securing comfort and independence? If you consider these efforts on your behalf have contributed to the furtherance of your best interests, you will show yojjr-approval-at the polling booth. WORKERS, arc you satisfied that the Government has conscientiously striven: (1) To obtain for you just, and fair treatment while in the pursuit of your-labours? (2) T® secure reasonable hours of labour and reasonable remuneration-therefor—together with- due regard for your health, safety, and well-being while -so engaged? (3)] That it has taken proper steps to ensure for your children reasonable terms and conditions under which- they may commence work as lewvners -and apprenticcsT (4.) That due efforts-are being made to secure for you and ym»r-f amities, -comfort* able homes amid sanitary and healthful •urroundingst i*> . t*.

The Government and its supporters confidently await your verdiet at tbe b.il’oiAGED MEN AND WOMEN, let your votes decide whether the legislation specially framed by me uibcial Government to make provision for your maintenance and comfort in your declining years —when bodily health and strength no longer suffices to earn daily bread — meets with your approval. * FINALLY let every class of the community decide whether the Government and its supporters have not been faithful to the trust reposed in them —in all things relating to the welfare and happiness of the great body of the people—whose continued confidence and approval they have ever endeavoured to merit, and whose favourable verdict at the forthcoming elections they implicitly rely upon.