The Waikato Argus GEORGE EDGECUMBE, Proprietor. SATURDAY, DECEMBER 2, 1899.

Waikato Argus, Volume VII, Issue 521, 2 December 1899, Page 2

The Waikato Argus GEORGE EDGECUMBE, Proprietor. SATURDAY, DECEMBER 2, 1899.

There was really nothing new in the speech delivered by the Premier at Ngaruawahia ou Monday evening, and it would not call for notics at our hands had it not been delivered iu the Waikato for the purpose of bolstering up the candidature of the elect of the Seddon party. The Premier of course, according to custom, claimed for the Government that every fortuitous circumstance which has, during his term of office, added to the progress of the colony is entirely due to their legislation and administration. He makes no allowance for the lapse of time or for the improvement in tho commerce of the whole world. It would be a sorry business indeed if we were to find a new country no further ahead in 1599 than it was in 1891. He pointed out that tho output of butter and cheese had during the period increased from 39,0000\vt. to 102,000 cwt. The people of the Waikato know perfectly well that the Government neither directly nor indirectly brought about this result. The Land for Settlement Act, in this district at any rate, is not the cause, as no large estates until within the last few months have been acquired under the Act, and in Taranaki no large estates have been purchased, and that district has the largest export in the colony. So much for this claim. It is impossible to follow the Premier through all the claims he puts forth, but it is fair to presume that if one has no foundation tho rest are at least very doubtful—very. Tho Premier told his audience that if he kept power his Government meant to continue borrowing. It may be necessary to borrow for the completion of public works, but we must not overlook that tho amount of our indebtedness is already £46.080,727, or approximately £62 per head. If the Premier continues to borrow at the rate of a million or two a year a time of depression and disaster will certainly overtake us. It is claimed that the money lent under the Advances to Settlers Act and to local bodies is a profit to the country, because the Government receives more interest than the fat man in London. There is no getting over the fact, however, that the interest on tho sum borrowed has to be remitted. It must also be borne in mind that the railways have been starved, and the consequent apparent saving used to swell tho surplus. This has already entailed one loan in order to repair the neglect. It is denied that tliis is the case, but the fact that the loan was necessary is conclusive proof that proper provisions have not been limdo for repairs and renewals. The Premier said in his speech that the Government could manage other departments and why not the railway. Tho answer is that, in the first place the railways being under the control of tho Government the action of its adadministrators is hampered, who judging by the past few years, havo always thejnoxt election in view. It is only a few days back the Department, no doubt after mature deliberation, concluded that 7s pDr clay was enough for a certain class of work, Ss having been previously paid. The men were told of the reduction and immediately put down their tools. Within a very short time they were told that the old wages would be paid. This railway official forgot the electoral side of the business for which he has no doubt been duly reprimanded. The Premier has claimed that although the debt of the colony has in-

creased the interest payable has decreased. This is simply a bare-faced false statement. The explanation is this. Previous to 1595 sinking fund was included in statements as interest, since that date there has been no sinking iund. Dealing with the figures on a proper basis it will be found that the interest payable in 1891 was £621,697 and last year £794,488, being an increase of £172,791. What faith can be placed in a Minister who juggles in this manner. In reference to the allocation of public money, the Premier took the stand that those members who opposed borrowing, had no right to apply for a share for their districts. Their constituents have to bear the cost, and surely, if the money is borrowed, are entitled to a fair proportion. With regard to freeholds, all .that the Opposition contend is that thoso holding leases should have the right, if they so desire, to convert their holdings into freeholds. They do not suggest that any other reasonable form of tenure should be withheld. The picture of the result of mortgages drawn by the Premier is, of course, bunkum. If he had such a keen feeling for borrowers, he would take tho tax off mortgages ; this would relieve the unfortunates by about half per cent. The Premier told the meeting that the sending of men into the King Country uuder the cooperative principle, was purely in order that the roads may be made. This, of course, is partially true, but experience teaches the initiated that after the elections the services of most of them will not be required. The feeling throughout the country is distinctly that the time haß arrived for a change. Those who agree with the policy measures of the Government and are guided by old fashioned notions of political decency, arc disgusted at their administration. The scandals, gloss them over as their friends may, are felt to be a disgrace to the country, and the bare-faced manner in which it is stated that they have been refuted is in keeping with most of tho assertions made by the Premier.