A Breach of National Trust. A Misuse of the Power You Entrusted to the Government.

What sense of national responsibility has the Seddon Government displayed in its use of the power of nomination entrusted to it under our Constitution, and by the use of which power our Legislative Council is created?

This great power of nomination should be exercised in a judicial spirit. It was never designed as a perquisite of political parties. The interests of the nation only should dominate its use. If, as trustees for the people, a Ministry uses its opportunity to bestow responsible page 7 legislative power and distinction upon its personal friends—upon incapable or disreputable men—who can plead no higher merit than faithful party allegiance—if a Ministry is so defiant of its high obligation to the people—then it is guilty of a breach of national trust for which no political penalty is too severe.