POLITICAL REFORM.

Gisborne Times, Volume XIX, Issue 1556, 12 September 1905, Page 2

POLITICAL REFORM.

OPPOSITION CAMPAIGN. {Per Press Association.;)' Wellington, last night. The Wellington Political Reform League arranged a publie meeting whibb was held to-night at the Town Hall, and was addressed by a number of prominent politicians. The chairman, introducing the speakors, said the League was practically Opposition in politics, and its aim was to pnt a stop to the “ spoliation ” system of the Government. The speakers were Sir William Bussell, Messrs Massey, Herdman, James Alieu, Duthie, and Aitken. Sir William Russell said eiuee the electoral laws had been altered there had been continuous tinkering with the constitution, which was not conducive to good government. The functions of the Legislative Council bad been materially impaired. The puro democratic form of government had now -almost passed away, and we were governed by what might be called an almost ruthless autooraoy.

Mr Herdman spoke on the necessity ol reform in the method of making appoint ments to the Publio Service, and superannuation of civil servants.

Mr Massey’s remarks were on reform of local government by the reestablishment of a sound system of local finance and eoonomioal expenditure of public money, and reform of the land laws by enoouraging settlement, and by giving Crown tenants the right to acguire free* hold. He declared that the present system was demoralising the oommnnity. Political control of roads and bridges rhould be abolished.

Mr Allen addressed himself to eduoa ion, and Mr Duthie to the late sittings ol he House. •