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Taranaki Daily News, Volume LV, Issue 102, 16 September 1912, Page 4

OTHER POINTS. Mr. Wilkinson favors the principle of van elective Upper House. So do we, if we arc to have an Upper House, but the Bill before the Upper House creating but two constituencies is diametrically opposed to the interests of the fanning districts, who will be at the mercy of city organisations, who could rim their ticket and elect probably the whole of the House by sheer force of their numbers. Then we would have, presented to us the spectacle of a Socialist Upper House dominating the legislation of the Lower House containing a majority absolutely opposed to them on the principles of government and administration. The grouping of the present electorates is a far better plan, and this, we notice, Mr. Wilkinson supports, As we have said bcfoTe, in a re-construction of the Upper House it might be advisable to accept the Labor Party's proposal to create a purely revisory chamber of expert barristers. Two elective houses really seems somewhat of an anomaly in these days of progress and enlightenment. Mr. Wilkinson believes in extending the old age pensions scheme in the direction of giving the general public the privileges cojoyed by State employees under the superannuation scheme. This is a good idea, and one that had the cordial support of the Mackenzie Government. Mr. Wilkinson is also a believer in the Customs system of taxation and is against freetrade. Ths opens up a very big question, but the fact remains that we are committed to a protectionist policy, under which many millions of money have been invested In industries. To take away protection would mean that these industries would topple over. If a change is made the State should, in common fairness, see that the investors are recouped for their losses. At the same time, we think it can be conclusively demonstrated that for a man on the land free-trade would be beneficial. He could afford to pay more taxation on his land if he could get his wares at about 25 to 50 per cent, less than he now pays. There are many other points raised by Mr. Wilkinson which we can wholeheartedly support, but on which space forbids us- to dwell. Should he be elected. it is safe to say that the constituency will be well represented, but with more political experience lie will find .it necessary to /nodify some of his opinions, and to cultivate more freely the saving grace of candor. 4 Even party politics should not be dependent upon a policy of reservation.