MR. W. H. HERRIES AT HOKITIKA.

Dominion, Volume 4, Issue 1126, 13 May 1911, Page 5

MR. W. H. HERRIES AT HOKITIKA.

OPPOSITION POLICY.

LAND AND LOCAL GOVERN-

MENT,

(By Telegraph-Press Association.)

. Hokltlka, May 12. Mr. W. H. Hemes, M.P., delivered a political address in tho Princess Theatre to-night. Thero was a fair attendance. The Mayor presided. In tho course of his speech, Mr. Hemes compared tho personnel of tho present Government with the original members of the Liberal Government, and showed how deterioration had taken place in personnel and policy. Ho commented on tlio vacillatory policy of tho present Government, showing that they had no fixed ideas. He dwelt at sonie length on the financial aspect, pointing out that though borrowing was necessary, a ' great waste was taking place in connection with the expenditure- of public i money. He commented adversely on ' tho notation of the live million 'loan, and criticised tho financial operations Of Sir J. Ward generally. Referring to the policy of tho Opposition, . Mr. Hemes described tho land policy which they would adopt, on the same lmes as Mr. Massey and other Opposition speakers. He dealt) with the proposed Native land policy of the Opposition party, the essence t *i^! 1 , wa , s tllc individualisation ot tho titles of each Native by area. Ho nest .dwelt upon the necessity of a • change in the appointments to tho Upper House, which he contended should bo elected on the same franchise as the Lower House. He pointed out the danger to the democracy of the power at present exercised by the Leader of' tho Upper House, who ditl not represent tho people at all. Dealing with local, government, ho said the Opposition were prepared, to do what the Government were afraid to do, that is, bring down a Local Government Bill giving the local bodies an assured finance, and do away with tho present pernicious system of grunts on the Public Works Estimates. He severely commented on the mining policy of the present Gov- ; ernment showing that though the Houso was liberal in its votes, especially in regard to prospecting, the Minister would not expend to any extent what the Houso voted. He compared tho action of tho various State Govern--: ments in Australia in mining expenditure with that of New Zealand, showing how much more was done over there in comparison with tlio Dominion. Ho briefly dealt with labour and other ' sceinl questions, deelarins himself to bfi in favour of the Arbitration Court, and j against any interference by Parliament j with its work, and condemning the pin- • pricking policy which was adopted by , ■ the Department in bringing potty r>ro- j 'seditions (ifrainst employers. Mr. Her- | ries snoke for two hours, nnrl was ac- ' corded a vote of thanks carried by ac- ' i clamation,