Retrenchment

Now, with regard to retrenchment, it is a very difficult subject, for when you come to cross-examine me you will have to leave on one side questions as to the particular items of retrenchment I will support. I have distinctly made up my mind in connection with this election, that for me to do you any true service whatever, it will be wise not to actually pledge myself to specific items of retrenchment, nor to promise positively to vote for any special particular thing. If I did the result would be that I should go to Wellington with both my hands tied, and I might find that I had hastily and stupidly promised you something which on careful examination I should perceive to be disadvantageous to the colony. I declare to you, gentlemen, that I will never tell you anything which I do not believe, and I trust you will see that I am a man to keep my word. If you come to the conclusion that I am a trustworthy and able representative you will send me to Parliament. If you should say that you do not want me to go in that way, but you must have a man who promises this and that, then you will send page 10 a representative who will not be honoured in Wellington, nor do you any honour, and you cannot have me. I ask you to watch me well throughout this election, and to make up your minds whether the views I put before you are likely to tend to the advantage of the colony, and whether I am likely to give you satisfaction; but not to ask me whether I will vote for this or that I do not believe that there is a men in the colony more resolutely determined on retrenchment than I am. If I have any force of character at all, and any power of setting forth my views in Parliament, I am going in for such a reduction of expenditure as will satisfy anyone who sends mo to Parliament. But whilst I like work—no one better—I never undertake it until it is my business to do it. It is no use labouring at work which someone else has got to do. The men who are absolutely responsible for this retrenchment are the men that you put into power to conduct the administration, and the attitude I shall take up in Wellington is this. I shall say-(laughter) oh, you may depend upon it: I will go to Wellington. (Applause.) You are in a hopeless minority if you believe the contrary. I say, when I go to Wellington, the attitude I shall take up will be this. I will say to the Government, There is a heap of work to be done. It is your business to do it and my business to sec it done. Go about it as quick as you can, and if you do not put before us a satisfactory scheme our duty is to put you out of office." I intend to support no Ministry who will not propound a sat is factory policy for the efficient reduction of the public expenditure. I have no objection, if you particularly desire it, to give you my views at the present moment, with regard to the great branches of the public service in which in my opinion reductions can be made, but I do not pledge myself personally to cut down one sixpence as regards special items. This is not the work of a single representative but that of a Government prepared to take up a strong position. They will comedown in this position. "We have studied these things, these are our proposals, and if you do not like our proposals turn us out and put men in whose capacity you have some confidence in." They will say that if they are men. It is not so important taking particular items. I shall support the men I believe will make the best Government, and because I differ from them on comparatively unimportant points am I to assist to turn them out and put in a set of men who I believe will ruin the country? Certainly not. No Government supporter can expect but that there will be many points upon which he must be prepared to sink his merely personal and individual opinion, and support the proposals of the men who are responsible for the legislation and government of the colony.