MR BALLANCE INTERVIEWED.

Temuka Leader, Issue 2137, 13 December 1890, Page 3

MR BALLANCE INTERVIEWED.

> Wellington, Dec. 11. , Id the course of an interview with a , representative of the New Zealand i Times Mr Ballanee raised strong objec- ' tions to calling Parliament together earlj. It was the duty of the Minstery to resign and allow the Opposition to form a Cabinet, who would have the period between now and April, when Parliament must meet, to formulate their policy. Otherwise there would have to be two sessions. Mr Ballanee contended that the memorandum of agreement already published showed is was agreed the Geverment should resign if beaten. A Goverment formed from the Opposition would have to consider a change in the incidence of taxtation. The country was largely in favour of a land tax, and the property tax was most obnoxious in some respects. He considered the Opposition bad a clear majority, and could forma Government without difficulty. He expressed a strong opinion about Judge Edwards’ appointment as illegal and unnecessary, and the land policy must be the leading item of the programme of the Liberal ministry. It was vital to the welfare of the country lo arrest the , exodus and enable people to settle on the land. He thought they should not go to the London market, money for opening up country could be provided here in more ways than one. With respect to Native lands he had a plan to bring the grater portion within the area of settlement in a short space of time, but could not divulge it just now. Finally Mr Ballanee said he was entirely opposed to the reconstruction of the Government or a Coalition, The , latter would stultify the Opposition.

The members of the Government will all be here to-morrow, but it is hardly likely the result of their deliberations on the position will be made known till the Governor’s return on Saturday.