The Spirit of Pelf is Upon the Government.

It has been proved by members of the New Liberal party during this session of Parliament that the Government has permitted, encouraged and committed breaches of their trust with regard to the telegraph and telephone systems of the colon v. Free telegrams and telephone messages, without let or hindrance, have been sent over the telegraph system of the colony by members of Ministers' families and by their relations. The revenue of the colony should have been benefited by every one of these messages being paid for.

Members of Ministers' families have no more right to send telegrams and telephone messages free than they have to demand free postage stamps. They have no more right to the privileges they have so improperly used than any ordinary elector has; they have presumed upon their position. Honesty is not a question of degree, and petty pelf or pecultion soon cuts a track down which the more confident and bold operator will carry away spoils of magnitude. The franking system and the excessive use of the memo system of telegrams have become serious abujses under the fostering care of this Ministry.