Opposition Policy.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXVII, Issue 3517, 4 May 1905, Page 3

Opposition Policy.

A DEFINITION. Mr Massey, the Leader of the Opposition, addressed a crowded audience at Christchurch on Tuesday night <m the lines of recent addresses. In regard to finance Mr Massey said if the public accounts were kept as a business man keeps his book* there would be no surplus to transfer to the Public Works Fund. Speaking of Legislative Council reform he said that men like Sir John Hall should be appointed to the Upper House. (Prolonged applause and cheers for Sir John). Speaking of the Lands for -Settlement Act he advocated the adoption of a system of submitting to the House proposals to resume compulsorily any particular estate. He condemned the Premier’s methods of electioneering at the expense of the colony. He stated that the policy of the Opposition consisted of a proper audit of the public accounts; the repeal of the Public Revenues Act, 1900; the reform of the Legislative Council; the establishment of a Public Service Board; economy and sound finance; local Government reform; sinking funds in connection with future loans; the option of the freehold to settlers on Crown lands; independency of the magistracy; Parliamentary business to be done in reasonable hours; and the equitable settlement of the native land question. He spoke for two hours, and had a very favourable hearing. At the conclusion he answered a number of questions and was accorded a vote of thanks.