Political Reform League.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XLVII, Issue 7923, 12 September 1905, Page 2

Political Reform League.

Opposition Rodomontade (Per Press Association.) m Sept. 11. Ihe Wclington Political Retorm Lcuguc held a public meeting tonight at tho Town Hall. The Chair, man, in introducing, Uic speakers, Ram the League was practically Opposition'', in politics, -and its ami was to put a stop to the spolu, ation system of the Covcrnuwnt. The i speakers were: Sir William Jtusscll, Messrs Massey, Herdman; Jauies Allen. Duthrc, and Aitkcn. Sir. William Russell said that since the electoral laws had been altered there had been continuous tinkering with the constitution, which was not coiiducivo to good government. Tho functions of tho Legislative Council had been materially impaired. The pure democratic form of government had almost passed away, aud we were jroveriiwl by what might be called au almost ruthless aristoct racy.

Mr Heixlman spoko lon the necessity of reform in the method of making appointments to the public service, and the superannuation 0! civil servants.

Mr Mnssey's remarks were on the ' reform of local government by tho establishment of a sound system of *i'. local finance and economical oxpenditurc of public money and thp rot *i fpi'in of the land l aws by encqurag. ! 'j ing settlement, 'and by giving Crown : 'l tenants the right to acquire tho freehold. H« ■declared that the present system was demoralising tho community., Tlte political control of roads and bridges should be abolished. Mr Allen address*! himself to V; education, and Mr Dutfaie to.the ■% late sittings of the Hqjise.