Marlborough Times. MONDAY, OCTOBER 24, 1881.

Marlborough Daily Times, Volume III, Issue 301, 24 October 1881, Page 2

Marlborough Times. MONDAY, OCTOBER 24, 1881.

“ What is Liberalism !” is a question which will often present itself to the thoughtful elector during the coining struggle. If lie ventures to apply for an explanation to one of those wordy politicians in whose mouths the term is most frequently found, it is certain that he will receive an unsatisfactory reply. If asked to define its meaning not one of these placehunting gentlemen will he able to present it as anything materially different from the principles which have been adopted and practised by the Hill Ministry. Four years ago, by an adroit use of this term a Ministry came into power, the leading spirits of which positively opposed Liberal principles and violated the promises made to their constituencies in the most deliberate and unprincipled manner. Strange to say, there are yet a few in New Zealand who can approve of the actions of that Ministry and are still inclined to look upon Sir G. Grey as a desirable Premier. Even in this district some are yet left who at least continue to appropriate the term “ Liberal ” to themselves, and judging them by the actions of those in Parliament with whom they sympathised, wc are surely not wrong in prefixing the word “Sham” to their title. Our readers will remember that the Grey Ministry especially desired to be remembered to posterity as the only true Liberal Ministry the Colony had possessed ; they went into office with a strong majority, and had they been in earnest every reform which was dilated upon in their electioneering speeches could have been carried by sheer force of numbers. Property holders were denounced as tyrants and the working man was alluded to as a “serf.” yet the Premier attempted to burke the Land Bill after its passage through both houses, although this measure embodied all the ideas he had previously expressed. Then again the stump cry was for a “free breakfast table” an l the working classes were told that in order to accomplish this desirable end the tariff would he read justed in such a manner as would make the weight of taxation fall heaviest upon those who could best sustain it. But what was the outcome of this promise? Simply that the duty on a very few articles of general consumption was slightly reduced, wildcat the same time woolpacks, which were strictly identified with what is known as the “squatting” interest, weie admitted at half the old rates, and it was also proposed to tike tlje duty entirely off fencing wire, an article the taxation of which does not injuriously affect the working man. “Manhood suffrage ” pure and simple was another strong point, hut when the Bill was brought down by the Grey Government it was found to be teeming

with restrictions of various kinds. The freehold qualification, rightly enough, still remained under the Bill, but soalso did the leasehold and household, and the residential clause, which was to have included the multitude inits saving grace required thatbeforea man could be registered be must have resided in the Colony at least two years. These instances afford examples of the astounding variance between so-called Liberal words and Liberal deeds. The platform erected by the Grey party when canvassing the country was totally abandoned when they attained power, and it is not surprising that the public now view with distrust any party adopting the cry of Liberalism, and justly look upon its representatives as wolves in sheep’s clothing. Like the party itself, however, the cry is merely the ghost of its former self, and all necessity for it h:i3 departed since the advent of the Hall Ministry. By the efforts of this truly Liberal Government a number of great reforms have been made in an exccediggly short space ol time. The tariff has been remodelled upon an equitable basis to all ; the property tax affects only those who are able to bear it ; manhood suffrage is a reality, with but very trifling restrictions ; triennial Parliaments have been established, anil an electoral reform has just been carried, which was eminently desirable, but through which the Ministry nearly lost office. Those who will calmly reflect over tiia political strife of the past few years and compare the doings of the present Ministry with those of its predecessor will, we feel sure, bo compelled to admit that the term “Liberal” was grossly misapplied by the Grey Ministry in all its combinations, and wc trust that every candidate who raises that cry in opposition to a Ministry which has proved itself Liberal by the truest tests, will be unanimously rejected. If the electors of each district judge by actions alone then there is little doubt that the Hall Ministry will have an overwhelming majority in the new Parliament, and we may expect to see still further reforms carried out.