The Gisborne Times PUBLISHED EVERY MORNING. GISBORNE, NOVEMBER 7, 1901. "COMMANDEERING.”

Gisborne Times, Volume VI, Issue 257, 7 November 1901, Page 2

The Gisborne Times PUBLISHED EVERY MORNING. GISBORNE, NOVEMBER 7, 1901. "COMMANDEERING.”

The “light for the <£3oo ” forms one of the most humiliating chapters in the history of New Zealand politics. The cry is ever “no funds ” ; yet when it comes to a question of members snatching extra pay for thomselvos the majority are ready to sit up day aud night to overwhelm the minority and force through a measure by which the money of the people will be so appropriated. These men who have done this thing knew what the terms were when they offered themselves for election; but they no sooner feel safe in their seats than there is this indecent haste to swoop down upon the Treasury aud pay to themselves that which was never in the bargain. Last session the peoplo were treated to the shameful spectacle of members making a “raid” on tho Treasury; now they have become bolder, and have made a more exteusive raid. Next session they would probably become more rapacious, but fortunately there will thou be tho wholesome check of a general election within view. The whole affair is most discreditable, and not the least part of that discredit is the effort to fasten odium on those who stubbornly resisted tho act of political brigandage. If one mombor is paid £3OO it is only right that another should receive a liko amount, though ho may have fought against tho passing of a measure that would ! mako this legal. It is useless, nay it ! is an aggravation of tho previous sin, I to attempt to divert attention in this way. The fact is plain that tho majority have appropriated a sum, tho handing over of which was never contemplated when they wore elected. Had they fixed the amount for an incoming Parliament the position of affairs would have been different. They may think that the memory of the people is short, aud that members can now do with impunity that which they dare not do when an olection is at hand ; and possibly that is so, but at least it will be useful to keep tho mattor prominently beforo tho public mind. When appeals aro made for roads and bridges to holp wayback pioneers to have communication with town, and when such appeals are refused, as they so often are, it will be interesting to know that the reply “ no funds ” was not in evidence when members, or the majority, wantod to smooth their own pathway in life. \ye are sorry to observe that the member for this district voted with those who went upon this “commandeering ” expedition, and we hope that when he comes to give to his constituents an account of his stewardship that he will have some betterexplanation to offer than is apparent on the face of things.