The Waikato Times AND THAMES VALLEY GAZETTE. THURSDAY, OCT. 6, 1892.

Waikato Times, Volume XXXIX, Issue 3165, 6 October 1892, Page 2

The Waikato Times AND THAMES VALLEY GAZETTE.

THURSDAY, OCT. 6, 1892.

fq lal and exact justice to all men, O) whatsoever state or persuasion, religious ox political. ~

In noticing the Public Works Statement in a previous issue we refrained from commenting at any length on the figures of Mr Seddon in reference to the result of working our railways. That portion of the statement was manifestly the work of an angry man, who had been thwarted in his attempt to usurp the control of a department, which Parliament in its wisdom had handed over to a non-politicalßoard. When men are angry they are apt to make assertions which thej r are unable fully to substantiate. It is seldom, however, that a man holding a responsible position demeans himself by deliberately inserting in an official document statements which he knew, or ought, or might have known were inaccurate. Mr Seddon's thirst for patronage and revenge on the Commissioners has prompted hiin to this meanness. As we quoted some of his figures previously it. is incumbent upon us to give publicity to the explanation of the Commissioners. Mr Seddon stated that the total number of passengers carried had decreased as compared with the previous year by 2-1,885. It is asserted by the Commissioners that so far from this being the case the returns show an increase of 122,000 passengers and the issue of 2500 additional season tickets. Mr Sedaon laid stress on the fact that this alleged deficiency was in spilo of 30 additional miles of line being opened for trallic. The Commissioners point out that this thirty miles increased expenses over ana above consequent revenue, for the reason that the lino passed through unprofitable country. As regards the estimate of revenue by the Commissioners, which Mr Seddon stated had resulted in a deficiency of £5086, he appears to have taken the estimate made prior to certain additional sums being made chargeable to current revenue by Parliament, and the result was really a surplus of £.3000 over the amended estimate. There was a disgraceful scene in the llousg the other day wlion Mr Fergus m a stage whisper, of a density prnt-

liar to himself, remarked to u follow member, "Hear liow ho lies?" This was very coarso and unparliamentary and wo should bo sorry to follow such a bad example. We will call attontion to the fact, however, that o.ie of the dictionary definitions of a )io is "the intention to deceive." So much for tho Minister for "Works' arithmetical inaccuracies. It is to be sincerely hoped that when tho Public "Works Statement comes up for discussion that ho will get a dressing down from the members of both parties which will hereafter keep him within bounds. Surely that portion of the statement which contained the inaccuracies could not have been submitted to the Cabinet. It may be, however, that his insistence on their retention has been the cause of the coolness, or excessive politeness, exhibited by certain members of the Ministry towards each other. As regards the statement that the Commissioners refused to acknowledge their employees 1 union, it is as wide of the mark as his perverted figures. It was a well known fact, that the Commissioners offered no opposition to the formation of unions, in fact expressed their willingness to consider any representations they might make. What the Commissioners very properly refused to do was to allow outsiders to interfere between them and the Government employees under their control. Mr Seddon can only have had one object in view when he swerved from the line of strict veracity. He thought to pave the way for a popular vote at the next election in favour of a return to the old system of political management. It is well known that an untruth once set going is very difficult to catch, but, fortunately sufficient time will elapse before the next election for the capture and imprisonment of those of which the Minister for Works is the parent.