POLITICAL.

Gisborne Times, Volume XVIII, Issue 1435, 20 April 1905, Page 1

POLITICAL.

(Per Press Association.) Dunedin, last night.

Mr F. Massoy, leader , of the Opposition, addressed a public' meeting at the Princess Theatre last evening. The building was more than filled. The Mayor presided. Mr Massey, who had a good reception, and adequate hearing, was frequently applauded. He spoke for more than two hours. To a considerable extent be dealt with much the same subjects as in his Auckland speech, but went more fully into financial matters. He stated that the public debt had been increased 6£ millions in three years. Between 1895 and 1904 the indebtedness por head had increased by £B2 11s. He pointed out how matters that should havo been charged to revenue were paid out of the public works fund, and the genuine surplus swollen by the method of book-keeping. He condemned the issue of short -dated debentures and alleged that a lot of money was being wasted and too much spent on small departments. The present system of railway construction was unsatisfactory. He advocated appoining a Commission to report on railways needed. He challenged the Government to produce a policy, if they had one. The annexation of the islands had not turned out satisfactorily, and there was an annual deficit which the colony would have to pay. The prosperity of the colony was not due to the Government. The nearest road to prosperity lay in the thrift and industry of the people. Mr Massey replied to a number of questions, and was accorded a vote of thanks. Christchurch, last night.

Mr George Laurenson addressed his constituents at Lyttolton iast night. He emphasised the need of more scientific men at the head of the teaching profession, and criticised the working of various departments, spoaking ohiefly of the Defence and Education Departments. Of the letter he said that the work in connection with it appeared to pass from Minister to Minister. Ho had letters sent him signed by Mr Soddon as Minister, and others signed by other members of the Cabinet who wero acting as Minister of Education. On the local option question he declared in favor of a bare majority deciding, and prophesied that no-license would be carried in Byttelton this year. He did not want to deprive the working man of his beer, but considered he should have it in his own home. He quoted Ashburton as an example of the beneficial effect of nolicense. Referring to tho Opposition, he said it would be impotent so long as the present men were in Parliament. At the conclusion he was accorded a vote of thanks and confidence.