The Opposition Policy.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XLVII, Issue 7812, 3 May 1905, Page 3

The Opposition Policy.

MR MASSEY'S OUTLINE,

(I'er Press Association) ClllUSTClll'RCll, May 2. Mr Miissey, Leader of the Opposition, addressed a crowded audience in the Theatre to-night. His speech was mainly on the lines of liis'rccent speech at Dunedin, but he also dealt with the Premier's speech at Pahiatua. Mi' Seddon had said that his (Mr Masscy's) statement that under the Public Revenues Act the balance of 0110 vote could be transferred to another was false, but the speaker ,quoted a section of the Act to show that monies may be traiisl'u tod iu aid of another vote in the same class. ll was true, as the Premier stated, that the Stafford Government had transferred the balance of votes, but these balances were in respect of the votes the particulai work in connection with which had been completed. The provision for referring disputes between the Audit Department and the Government had been repealed by the Grey Government, and had remained repealed till 11900, when the present Government | had revived it. Regarding finances, I ilr Masscy said if the public accounts were kept as a business man ke..t his books, there would be no surplus to transfer to the Public Works Fund. Speaking of Legislative Council reform, tho speaker said that men like Sir John Hall should be appointed to the Upper House. (Prolonged applause and cheers for Sir John .Hall.) Speaking of the Lands Settlement Act, he advocated the adoption of a system of submitting to the House a proposal 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 consists of : A proper audit of public accounts, and the repeal of the Public Revenues Act, 1900; reform of the Legislative Council ; estabfislimcnt of a Public Service lionrd : economy and sound finance'; sinking funds in connection with fuUii e loans: opiion 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. Mr Massey 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.