OPPOSITION PLATFORM.

Gisborne Times, Volume XIX, Issue 1618, 4 December 1905, Page 2

OPPOSITION PLATFORM.

THE LEADER’S ADDRESS.

HONEST ADMINISTRATION ’’THE REAL ISSUE.

Per Prana Association.

WaDganui, lasi night. Mr Massey delivered an address lo over 2000 last night, and had a splendid meet-

ing. He said the Opposition, if returned to power, would advance education, curtail borrowing, distribute public money with equality, grant the option of the freehold, reform the Legislative Council and Civil Service, reduce Customs duties, repeal the Publio Eevenues Act, sot tie the native land question, tefotm looal bodies’ finance, oarry on public works on the small contract. system, and promote social and

industrial reforms. He advocated national pensions, urged that money from State Departments should be used for advances to settlers and lands for eett'ement, and stated that recently the Pubiio Trust Office bad lent to one firm £36,500, which would have been better lent in 33 sums of £SOO. He said the Opposition had assisted (he Teachers’ Superannuation and Wotkers’ Homes Bills. ’ Ho charged tl e Governnent with stuffing the Civil Service, and to bring the education system mder political control; with adding 12,100,000 to the public debt, and abolish* eg parliamentary control of finances; nth shirking the land question; with' using the Pubiio Worka Fund as a fighting fund for the benefit of Government candidates, and with burdening the people with taxation.

Ho accused the Premiei of selfishness in appropriating so many portfolios, and caring only for his own aggrandisement. He said the Opposition was largely supported by young New Zealanders,' Bl c f whom tyere sianding on the Opposition side. The real issue before the country was honest administration, and' the colony would then have sounder prosperity and s urer progress,