OPPOSITION MARE'S NESTS.

Dominion, Volume 6, Issue 1762, 29 May 1913, Page 6

OPPOSITION MARE'S NESTS.

"INTOXICATED BY THEIR OWN MENDACITY."

AN M.P.'s BEBUKE,

"One extraordinary feature attending I the change of Government," stated Mr. E.'Newman, M.P., in his pre-sessional address at Marton on Tuesday, "is the "ttitude assumed by the Opposition prei-s, with somo exceptions, of course. Torrents of abuse are poured out on the Peform party, all absolutely groundless, and when proven groundless, no apology is given. .The tap is simply shifted, Mid tho abuse keeps pouring out. 1 mipposo thsy have so long enjoyed the sunshine of Government patronage- that the chill shades of Opposition' are distasteful. They havo so long nestled under :no protecting wing of tho late Government that they are suffering from acute in{lamination of tho epidermis brought cn by worry and irritation caused jy the continued success of the Reform Government. They have.so'long been fed with all the 'tit-bits' that to scratch with the common crowd is unpleasant. I mil afraid they must get used to it. It is splendid discipline, but 'My! why they do squeak over it.' '(laughter.) They should cultivate self-control. "There is one point I wish to direct retention to. No charge of favouritism in regard to Government advertisements 1-as been made. Doubtless they forget all about the 'boycotting' that used to go on with regard to our papers. They* would gladly charge our side with 'spoils to the victors,' but they cannot—dare notrash as their statements are. The 'snoiis to the victors' policy has gono for over, I hope. Not one public servant has suffered for his political opinions through the change of Government. On the contrary, we have given some of the biggest plums to political opponents. , That is as it should be. Men should bo appointed' for their fitness for office, not because thev support the party in power. 'Applause.) I want to give a few pxamoies of 'mare's nests' discovered by tno Opposition press." Mr. Newman hero dealt with the "Expeditionary Force" scare, "Southland Lease," "Post Office Circular," "Charges against the Minister in charge of the Public Trust Office," "Alleged discontent in the Public Service." "Cost of Loans," "Maleipenditure of ijioney in Mr. Hunter's Electorate." 'Tlie Land Aggregation Scare," and Mr. M'Oillum's ridiculous comments on tho expenditure of the surplus., In every case it was proved that the charges of the Opposition were groundless. "Was. I not justified." Mr. Newman continued, "in veferrinp: to the stronsr attitude of rprtain sections of the Opposition press? J hope they will moderate their tone and cease to be 'intoxicated by their own mendacity.' Fair criticism no one objects to."