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The Pamphlet Collection of Sir Robert Stout: Volume 76

Mr. E. M. Smith (Taranaki)

Mr. E. M. Smith (Taranaki)

is quite right in saying that he has always voted for a trial of the Stage System, and I very readily acknowledge his consistent and energetic advocacy of it. Mr. Smith says that I have never "attempted to accept the offer of the Government to give his system a trial." That is true. I am not such an idiot as to be a party to the destruction of the work that has cost me so much, or to fall into the trap laid for me by the Department. If Mr. Smith can show how I, or any other sane man, could comply with the demands made upon me, I shall be happy to reconsider.

Mr. Smith says that I ought not to have dealt with other public questions, but with the railway question alone; and he seems to imply that I ought to have kept quiet in order to gain I favour with the Government. Would this be worthy conduct? Has not this sort of thing been the curse of the country?

Mr. Smith says I know the Government are gradually working up to the system of charges that I propose. No greater mistake could possibly be made. Every step taken by the Government so far has been in exactly the opposite direction. My system means much more than mere cheapness—it means distribution: distribution of population, distribution of opportunities, distribution of wealth. All that the Government have done, or propose doing, means more concentration of all these in fewer centres and fewer hands. I will go into this more fully when commenting on the Minister's statements.