THE PREMIER'S TRICKS.

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume XLIX, Issue 12647, 7 November 1905, Page 8

THE PREMIER'S TRICKS.

EXPOSED BY iMR DUTHIE

Per Press Association

At his meeting .to-night Mr Duthie made reference to the Premier's attempt last session to put .tlhe Opposition in a wrong light in regard it>o their attitude on the Old Ago Pensions Bill. On the motion for the second reading,, he said, Mr Taylor moved an amendment setting out that no IBill would be satisfactory until the penalties on thrift -were removed. That ©e-rtainly seemed to be in the right direction. The Opposition voted in favour of the amendment, and to that extent of course they voted against the second oreading of the Bill, and as a matter of fact the Premier partially met their views by an amendment he made 'in tthe Bill in Committee Later on, however, iMr Seddon .made it appear that those who had voted against penalising thrift ihiad vested against the second reading of the ©ill, 'and ihe also accused the (Opposition of 'having blocked the Bill in Committee although all they did was to task that ibefore the increase of pension was voted the annual report of the Department should be laid on the talble of the House. By law that report had to Ibe presented to Parliament ten days after the opening of the session, but when the Bill came 'before the 'House 28 days had elapsed, and there had therefore ibe-en 1a 'breach of the law, and there was quite sufficient justification for the action of the Opposition in that respect. "It is degrading for the Premier of New Zealand to lend (himself to such low down tricks," remarked iMr Duthie in making the above explanation.