THE DECADENCE OF PARLIAMENT.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 2304, 24 September 1908, Page 1

THE DECADENCE OF PARLIAMENT.

SOMK I'LAIN TALK. (Spoeial to “Times.”) WELLINGTON, Sopt. 23. Anyone who has watched the present Parliament at work, whether his sympathies lie either with the Government or with the Opposition, cannot fail to come to the conclusion that thoro* aro many signs of decadence manifest, and that a much-need-ed improvement in its personnel in certain directions is an urgent necessity. This point of view is put with more than ordinary force in a romarkablo artielo (which has occasioned a good deal of comment) in this evening’s “Post.” “We believe,” says tho “Post,” “that no candid, unbiassed porson, whether his political sympathies can view without concern tho spectacle which tho Parliament of Now Zealand odors in tho presold session to the eyes of an attentive observer. Not only does thoro appear to be a lack of high political ideals, bin the parliamentary morale, tho conscience, and intelligence of the whole body of members show plain signs of degeneration.” The article goes on to re let" to tho manner in wiihli -I ho Parliament Ibis doalb with recent important legislation, notably the Second Ballot Bill, and tho Arbitration Bill. “It is made clear,” continues tho article, “that this moribund Parliament is unfitted to deal with tho gravo question of industrial conciliation and arbitration, for tho Houso of Representatives litis already, in reliance upon tho Minister for Labor, passed without discrimination a number of sections which contradict themselves, and the existing law to such an extent that their effect will be to encourago rather than to discourage broaches of industrial poaco. It is evident that gradually tho valiant Liberal tradition left by John Ballanco has exhausted itself, and that the present Ministry for most purpesos lias become nothing more than a Cabinet of opportunists without definite anchorage or policy, without even hope, and without determination, savo tho determination to remain at the head of affairs. The demoralisation of the Liberal spirit, duo to the methods Of tho lengthy Seddon Administration, is almost complete, and tho Ward Ministry, with whatever adroit variation, etill applies those methods, and regards summary and origin of national progress, but as a fieid for party manipulation.”. Air Massey’s party also comes under the lash as follows: “The Opposition, unluckily weary of vain effort, lias seemingly grown reconciled to its degradation, and is impotent. There is no outstanding figure of revolt, no strong leader on the road which the country should travel.”