Greymouth Evening Star. AND BRUNNERTON ADVOCATE. SATURDAY, JULY 13, 1901. WANTED—NO OPPOSITION.

Greymouth Evening Star, Volume XXXI, 13 July 1901, Page 2

Greymouth Evening Star. AND BRUNNERTON ADVOCATE. SATURDAY, JULY 13, 1901. WANTED—NO OPPOSITION.

r T is an asxiom of trade that competition is the life and soul of business, so Opposition is the life and soul of Parliament. A god Opposition is essentia], not only to the welfare of Parliament, but to the country itself. Without opp sition the party in power is apt to degenerate into a state of bureaucracy, which is the very opposite to true representative Government. Andyet strange to say in this, the mcst democratic of His Majesty’s possessions, such a thing as an intelligent Opposition does not exist. It is certainly not because wo have reached a stage of millennium in matters relating to representative Government, but simply because the Government has dominated Parliament. It is not that the Premier objects to fighting, for he is essentially a fighting man, but simply because he has mastered, and there is not a fighting leader in the House—hardly any member that dare raise his voice in opposition to the Premier and his able lieutenant Sir J. G. Ward. As one of the members declared the other day “we have an opposition but no leader and no party —we do our best as it seemeth to us,” but how as this state of things been brought about. Simply by the thorough knowledge that Mr Seddon possesses of the constituent members of the House. Like Sir Robert Walpole and Lord Castlereagh, he is a thorough believer in the doctrine that every man has his price, and when he

cajoled them by their acceptance of 40 pieces of gold, he mastered them. What base ingratitude it would bo to seriously oppose a Premier who is able to dispense such favors and reward services so liberally. And then where are the leaders. Evidently there does not seem the probability of a Parnell, a Bentinck, or even a Scobie M‘Kenz : e or a George Hutchison arising in the present Bouse. Captain Russell never was a real fighting leader—a nice amiable gentleman, thoroughly'unfitted to lead an opposition to a strong party. He commands the respect but

not the c nfidenco of the Honse. Again there is Mr Pirani, the member for Palmerston North. Clever no doubt, but his cleverness is of the “snarling tyke’’ order, and lastly there is Mr Ricoarton Russell—an able man, a good speaker with a readiness in debate, but he has yet to gain the ear of the House to the extent of being able to form a party, however, he is about the most likely of the bundle of sticks. As to the members of the Ministry, with the exception of the Premier and the PostmasterGeneral, they are a poor lot, and in their selection the Premier has shown his usual tact in not allowing to strong a rival near his throne. He is the Government, and he is the House, and

for better or worse wo must take him as we find him, for it is useless to expect anything like a good, sound, wholesome Opposition from the present Parliament. “I want you gentlemen to pass these bills ; you may amuse yourselves with a little friendly conversation about them, but you must pass them, and the sooner that is done the sooner will the session bo over and the sooner you can draw your honorarium, and reflect upon the great services you have rendered to your country. I have fully considered all the measures, and can asuroyou that no opposition is wanted.” According to “ our Parliamentary,” in last night’s Stap. there seems to bo an existing Opposition, but “it is nothing,” and as our reporter tritely enough puts it “ curiously enough, that it has nothing to do with the proceedings of the House.” “The greatest secrecy prevailed, those present stating that they were strictly enjoined not to disclose anything.” How many hours after the “ caucus,” secrecy notwithstanding, would elapse before Mr Seddon would be informed of all that took place, that is if he desired it, especially when it is understood that the Premier will move that £BOO per session bo granted to members in return for their arduous labors —£6 per week and ex’s chucked in. If the Ministry were defeated, all this little programme would be knocked on the head. It is not likely flesh and blood can stand a great deal, but it cannot risk the loss of an additional £GO per session. There will be no opposition.