POLITICAL.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXIII, Issue 993, 18 May 1911, Page 2

POLITICAL.

MR. EDWARD NEWMAN AT FOXTON. Mr Edward Newman, member for Manawatu, addressed the electors in the Masonic Hall, Foxton, last night. There was a fair attendance. The chair was occupied by His Worship the Mayor (Mr G. H. Stiles), who briefly introduced the speaker. After thanking the chairman for his kind introductory remarks, Mr Newman said the address he intended giving was not an election speech but rather a resume of the work of the last two sessions. He would like, first of all, to acknowledge the courtesy and consideration he had received from the Premier and the Ministers, both in the House and in connection with the requirements of the district. He had certainly not got all he asked for, but he had always been listened to with an open mind. In his speech he would have to criticise the actions of Sir Joseph Ward, but in doing so it was as head of the Government. Sir Joseph was now away from the Dominion, and could not reply to any criticisms, but he had his Ministers and there was no doubt if any mis-statements were made they would quickly reply to them. In spite of the Premier's assurance some time ago that what the country wanted was “legislative rest,” the last session was the longest on record, and some most important measures were brought down and passed. He could only deal with a few of them, but before doing so he would refer to the Premier’s visit to England. He felt sure he would worthily represent New Zealand. However much they differed with the Prime Minister they were all as one in admiration of his actions in connection with Imperial questions, and although on the other side of politics he esteemed him a great Imperialist. IMPORTANT BIRDS. There were four Bills which were of superlative importance last session. The first was defence.

An important departure was made. For the first time in the history of New Zealand and of any British Dominion the principle of compulsory service ior the defence of the country was approved by Parliament. And he wished to say that the Opposition Party supported the Government practically unanimously in this matter, and this was admitted by the Premier. After quoting the ages for compulsory service he estimated that in 10 years 70,000 men would be trained. Next year the force would contain 30,000 territorials and about 42,000 cadets. He did not think the Act was perfect. For one thing, far 100 much was left to regulations, but still it was an Act for the good of the country. The Volunteer system failed in New Zealand, and the defences which cost thousands of pounds were a laughing stock to military men, who were called upon to inspect them. What had they to show for the 2% millions on military expenditure and harbour defences. A distinguished officer when asked to express his opinion on New Zealand forts, from a military point of view, said; “Fortifications do you call ’em | I call ’em museums.’’ Good men were brought out from Home as officers, and they were refused all they asked for, the result being they left the country. The Volunteers and Rifle Clubs had been discouraged and starved, and it was a wonder that there was a Volunteer left in New Zealand. The cause of it all was that the control had not been free of politics. He desired to repeat what he said in the House, which was to the effect that the worst enemy this country could have would be a party, or leader of a party, that would introduce politics into defence matters. He would be a traitor to his country who would seek for his own political advantage to weaken the defence system that bad been built up by the selfsacrifice of his lellow colonists. It was the duty of every person to watch carefully for the least indication of political colour being introduced into defence matters. Lord Kitchener saw this danger and warned the country against it in his report. He hoped the people of New Zealand would stand out for a defence system free from political control. Up till now they had depended entirely upon the Old Country for defence and no service could ever repay her for the protection received. True, New Zealand had made a small contribution to the cost of its upkeep, but it was a mere trifle as compared with the cost of our protection. The time had now arrived to provide for some laud defence force. It was better to do this in times of peace calmly and with method. Time was required to teaoh men discipline. What was wanted was a citizen army, and he felt sure there was no risk of militarism growing up in New Zealand. It was the duty of all to help to defend their homes. Ladies also had duties in this matter and should encourage the scheme with their approval. THE LICENSING BILL. Referring to the Licensing Bill, Mr Newman said that this was a Bill of compromise; the Government had compromised with the Liquor and Prohibition parties. The Government, in fact, could well be called a Government of compromise, as they did so on every possible occasion. All they were concerned about was keeping their seats, and this they had done pretty well. He referred to th«

most important clauses of the Bill and also the clause dealing with barmaids, who now had to be registered, and apart from those who are now earning their living as barmaids no other barmaids can be employed. He thought this was a satisfactory solution of a difficult question and considered it unfair to drive out of employment i a number of respectable women j who are honestly earning their j living as barmaids at present. Under the new Act they were fairly treated. A few years hence, when most are married, there may ; be a corner in barmaids ; certainly it would add to their value limit- J ing their uufnbers. A roll would be prepared so that all those now barmaids may continue to be such if desired. Again, the Act provides for the prevention of private premises being used as places of resort for the consumption of liquor ; for the prohibition of the sale of liquor to persons under 21 ; and for the abolition of the locker system in No-liceuse districts. It makes provision against the sale of liquor to Natives, it provides for the extension of Native areas in which liquor cannot be sold, and it has more advanced provisions in connection with the sending of liquor into No-liceuse districts. It also makes provision that in the event of national prohibition being carried the result is to come into operation four years after the date of the election. In this would be observed three important gains to the Prohibition oarty. He voted in favour of prohibition in the King Country. Many would remember that at last election the Prohibition party, fearing that retrogressive legislation might take place, asked candidates to pledge themselves to vote for three-fifths, and he had no hesitation in stating that the party would have done better if they had not demanded this pledge. Members of Parliament should be representatives, not delegates, and should either be trusted by those they represent or not be put in the position. In accordance with his pledge he voted for the retention of three-filths and against the proposed 55 per cent. He now stood clear of any pledge. THIS GAMING ACT. Feeling very strongly that clauses connected with the legislation of the bookmakers under an Act passed by Government should be removed without delay, be ventured to introduce on July 13th a Bookmakers’ Abolition Bill. The Bill was killed because it was introduced by an Opposition member, although all but four members were in favour of the proposal. This indicates how completely the Government Party are under the power of the Government Whip. Soon after the clause that his Bill sought to exercise, with regard to the abolition of the bookmaker, was inserted in a Government measure, and carried by an almost unanimous vote. He felt that there was a certain amount of justice in the Government having the privilege of repealing their own clause which legalised the bookmaker and had done a vast amount of injury to this country. He voted for the retention of the totalisator. With regard to the general question of gaming as now existing, he wished to give reasons for his actions. He voted for the abolition of the bookmaker because he considered his existence a menace to the community. There were, no doubt, houest bookmakers, but both from the Beuch aud Police Commissioners they had definite declarations that since the clause legalising bookmakers was enacted, gambling aud crime had greatly increased. He quoted what Justice Chapman said when be declared “ the result of legalising bookmakers was a direct encouragement of a criminal class.” The bookmaker was a greater evil than the totalisator. There was too much inducement offered to bet with him. He gave credit, which was an inducement to fraud and gamble. The tote did not do this. He did not suppose the new Act would stop gambling, but it would save many young men from ruin. If they abolished the toialisator it would give the bookmakers a fresh lease of life. Summed up, the tote was always houest, it did not follow people into their homes, it gave no credit, and 1U always pays up when it loses. However, he held no brief for the tote, but he went for the greatest evil —the abolition of the bookmaker. NATIONAL PROVIDENT ACT. This Act, said Mr Newman, had for its object, ostensibly at all events, the encouragement ot thrift on the part of persons who possess small incomes. It was an extension of the superannuation system to people whose income did not exceed ,£2OO per year, and there are incapacity aud maternity benefits that it was hoped would induce many to avail themselves of the system. It is available for persons between 16 aud 45 years and contributions are on a sliding scale. Among the benefits stated by the speaker were—a payment not exceeding £6 for medical attendance on the birth of a contributor’s child or children alter contributing tor 12 months. The State contributes a quarter of payments into the fund. He had compared the cost of au annuity of £26 at 60 years uuder this scheme, aud had found that one of the largest insura. ee companies doing business in New Zealand would charge £3 10s 2d, which under the Government would only cost £3 5 s - Doubt had been expressed as to the actuarial soundness ot the scheme, aud after making the fullest inquiry he found there was no reason to doubt the accuracy of the figures. The weak points in this measure, however, were

that it might interfere with Friendly Societies, who were doing splendid work. He considered the organisation ot Friendly Societies should have been used iu connection with the scheme. It was an imperfection in the Act that only those earning £2OO a year or less could avail themselves ot the Act. It should have been altered to £4 a week, which was a very common wage, but as the Act stood at present persons earning that wage would be eebarred, as they were earning £2OB per annum, £8 over the limit. It was reckoned at £2OO at the time of original payment, aud a may afterwards get £SOOO a year and still participate. Why should any man even with £3OO to a £IOOO a year not be entitled to get the benefits from the Act if he pays a full contribution without Government subsidy ? It made universal it would save the people the huge profits of insurance companies. One other point he desired to mention. The provision by which children at 16, no matter how rich the parents are, can participate, will help the wealthy not the poor man. Every rich man could get his children at 16 into this scheme and secure the Government subsidy. How many poor people could afford to do this? So to this extent the Act would fail in its true object to help those who require help. PUBLIC DEBT EXTINCTION, Mr Newman said the object of tne Public Debt Extinction Act was to form sinking funds which would wipe off public loans at or before the end of 75 years. He opposed the Bill because he considered it unsound and likely to mislead people iu approval of extensive borrowing and not in the interests of the country. The establishment of sinking funds while borrowing was proceeding was an absurdity. This system had been tried in England on several occasions aud had been a failure. Even Sir Joseph Ward admitted, before this Bill was introduced, that the establishment of sinking funds while borrowing was absurd. Speaking iu 1904 he had said “ It you refer to some of the greatest financial authorities of the day you will find that they give it as their opinion that if you are a borrowing country aud have not reached the limit of your borrowing, to put on these sinking funds before you have reached the limit of your borrowing is not the best course to tollow and that, if sinking funds are provided for, the money required for public works expenditure can only be obtained by borrowing and not providing for any of it out of revenue.” Speaking again in 1907, Sir Joseph said “ Until the colony has ceased to be a borrower there should be no sinking fund provided. Some of the very highest financial authorities declare this to be a proper course.” The sinking fuud would never see 75 years. With 4 or 5 millions accumulated, Government could again absorb the money by issuing debentures against the fund. The object of the Act was to facilitate burrowing by leading the people to believe that they could do so with safety because sinking funds are provided. This policy has added 20 millions to the Public Department since Sir Joseph Ward took office. He approved of sinking funds worked on a sound basis aud believed iu borrowing money for public works, if a clear open policy was adopted. A large proportion of the So million debt was reproductive. They had valuable assets iu railways, which alone represented over 30 millions. Aud they had six millions in land for settlement. When these tenants got the freehold the money would be refunded and could be reinvested for closer settlement. He reiterated his statement that he had no objection to borrowing but it was the administration of the present Government that he objected to. He stood for a clear open policy with regard to borrowing money. The Government policy was not straight forward. All they thought of was to get the money and let the future generations pay for it. STATE ADVANCES AMENDMENT ACT. The principal points that affect us iu this .vet are the classification ot securities by which loans can be granted to settlers and workers, at 365, 30 and 20 years. It was obvious that at years, as previously provided for, was too long for ordinary woodeu buildings, aud the effect was that the Board refused to make advances to workers in many districts. The new clause making repayment in 20 years would remedy that. Then the right for the worker to obtain a loan to buy a home already erected was an improvement. Taking it all through he considered this amending Act a good one, especially in the interests of workers and therefore supported it. WORKERS’ DWELLINGS ACT. This Act provides for the erection of dwellings for working men and women, earning not more than £175 per annum, on payment of a deposit of £lO, It is designed to provide homes at reasonable rents with right of purchase. He said he had urged for legislation in this direction for many years and supported the Bill most heartily. He cousidered that nothing would add to the contentment and happiness aud prosperity of people than the ownership of their homes. He was glad to see that this scheme was about to be taken advantage of in Foxton. THE LAND OUESTION. He did not propose to deal with the Laud Bill at any length, because the Bill died at such au early

stage in its existence that it might almost be regarded as still-born. Any way, it could not be taken seriously. One clause proposed to give Government power to take a man’s land by way of lease and not pay him for 10 years, so that the Government would have the land and the money too. It was not an honest, proposal and recognising that, the members would not agree to such a thing and the Bill was dropped. Their action might be taken to show that they are realising that the people want and will have the freehold, aud no doubt next Land Bill will provide for it. He trusted that it would be so, as he believed that every man should be his own landlord. land settlement finance act. This Act was greatly improved last session and should now take the place of the Laud for Settlements Act. He supported the measure because it secured the freehold tenure. It enables five or more persons to form an association for purchase of freehold land and cut it up in lots, the Government guaranteeing payment to the seller. So far about 12 associations had been formed. COMMERCIAL TRUSTS. They were all iu sympathy with the Commercial Trusts Act, and so far as he was concerned he would support Government in any reasonable effort to control Commercial Trusts, as the formation of trusts was not in the interests ol the people. But he doubted whether the Act would be a success. Already the Colonial Sugar Company had found a way to get over the Act. As far as be was concerned he would support the Government in any reasonable effort to control CommercialTrusts. THE GOVERNMENTS ADMINISTRATION. He referred to the methods and administration of the Government in aud out of Parliament. One of the principal abuses of the day was the system of holding over all policy and important Bills until the end ol the session, when members were exhausted by continued long sittings and physically unable to properly criticise legislation. In the first 10 weeks they did absolutely nothing—only one Bill was passed. It was the fault of the Government, who had not their policy Bills ready. The session started in June and it was not till the end of October that all the important Bills were dealt with. They were of course hurried through. The control of the House was in the hands of the Prime Minister, and the system of rushing through important business and estimates at end of session was not iu the interest of the country and should be altered. Another abuse that he wished to refer to was the refusal of the Government to give returns of the cost of loans. The Government keep the representatives of the people in ignorance of where we get our money or the cost otsame. That is not in the interests of the country. After referring briefly to taxation Mr Newman went on to give instances of gross miscalculation and extravagance in the expenditure of public money. The Hutt railway was cited as au example. In 1903 Government asked and was granted leave to borrow ,£IOO,OOO for this work, which was supposed to be the required sum for Ihe improvements. In 1905 they got authority for another £IOO,OOO, aud in 1907 a similar amount was voted and on every occasion it was stated that the money asked for was all that was needed to complete the work. But last session a further sum ol •£35)00° was demanded, making an outlay of £335. 000 t 0 com ' plete a work estimated in the first place at ,£IOO,OOO. Reference was made to the paralysingfeffect of legislation on the development of industries within thejDominion, and figures supplied by Mr Herdman showed a tailing off in many of New Zealand’s industries. Too many Government shots have been fired at those engaged in our industries, aud they were killing them. OPPOSITION PARTY. The most progressive and beneficial measures ever passed- by New Zealand Parliament were introduced by members of the Opposition Party now called Conservatives or Tories. Mr Massey was the first man in Parliament to move that advances should be made to workers. The Party have supported good and sound legislation proposed by the Government, particularly on all Imperial matters. Could they be called a Conservative or Tory Party ? What was known as the Tory Party established the policy of State owned railways, the establishment of the Public Trust Office was the work of a member of the Opposition Party, also the Education Act, and many others were directly due to the Oppositionists. LOCAL AFFAIRS. Mr Newman said be desired to congratulate the Mayor and Councillors on the improvements effected in Foxton during the past two years. The town has taken a decided move forward and he had no doubt it would continue to progress. He referred to the erection of a verandah at the railway station, better lighting of the wharf, and he was glad to see that Foxton was going in for a municipal hall, which he felt sure would be a success. He referred to the proposal to extend the tramway to Marton, aud said that although they had got a favourable report from a Committee of the House the Government had opposed it, and the

motion was ‘‘talked out.” Referring to the question of the Foxton wharf, be said a petition in connection with same bad come before the House and had been exhaustively dealt with. The Committee recommended that the petition be favourably considered by the Government and that the price of the wharf he fixed by arbitration. He made special reference to the very valuable evidence given in this connection by Mr Heunessy, the Chairman of the Foxton Harbour Board, and said it was largely due to that gentleman’s work that such a favourable report had been reeeived. The Government had done nothing so far, but the newly elected Harbour Board .would no doubt move in the matter very shortly. The engineer of the Wanganui Harbour Board had stated that the wharf was not very sound, aud that fact must be taken into consideration by - ! fhe valuators. He hoped the Board would act without delay and get the matter settled. He felt sure it could not be lett in better hands than those of Mr Hennessy and his colleagues. Mr Newman concluded by saying he would never cease to feel grateful lor the confidence reposed in him at last election. He felt the responsibility of -the position, aud had tried to dp what should be done. Two questions were asked and answered, and a vote of thanks to Mr Newman for his address was carried by acclamation on the motion of Mr Perreau, seconded by Mr Vile. A vote of thanks to the chair terminated the meeting.