Voting Machines.

But what was the system that had been inaugurated in New Zealand? Was it not a fact that men had gone into the House having given written pledges to the Premier, and practically prepared to vote as they were told? Was that a free Partidment? ('No') What was the use of having representatives at all if they were going to be mere voting machines at the dictation of whoever might be the Premier of the day? (Applause.) They might just as well, instead of paying representatives £20 a month, send in proxies to the Premier to use at) his discretion. (A voice: 'You have done the same yourself.') 'If I ever did,' said Sir Robert, 'I did wrong, But I deny I ever did.' (Applause) Passing on, he said, whenever a charge was made against the present Government, instead of manfully and honestly meeting it, and either showing it was incorrect or giving some excusee, they continually harked back and said 'somebody else, some years ago, did the very same thing,' (Applause.) Was it Liberalism that the only defence of actions was to bring up alleged improper or illegal actions of those who had gone before? That was a very fine and new defence of Liberalism indeed! It was not Liberalism and no person had a right to call himself a Liberal, if when he went into the House he had to give up his individual opinion, and surrender his vote at the bidding of any other person. Such was not even a delegate of the people, but simply a voting machine. Just as one would touch an electric button, so had the Premier to touch a button with such men, and they went in to the lobby that he pleased. Such men had no right to the term Liberal. (Applause)