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The Cyclopedia of New Zealand [Wellington Provincial District]

[introduction]

Though the present Ministry, with the Hon. R. J. Seddon as Premier, has been in power only since the 1st of May, 1893, it is really more than two years older than those figures represent. The Government headed by the late Hon. John Ballance was practically the same. It may be said, therefore, that the Administration of to-day has been favoured with the confidence of the country for nearly five years. Never in the history of the Colony's parliamentary life has the Opposition been numerically so weak. In a House of seventy-four members, nearly three score of them are pledged to support the men and measures of the present Government. That the Opposition is individually strong there can be little doubt; and of its usefulness there can be less doubt; but of its hopes of a majority nothing can be said. The Government, while claiming to administer the affairs of the Colony in a manner that in the end will be best for all classes, looks mainly to Labour for its support, and is, therefore, determined that the interests of Labour shall be paramount. However distasteful this may be to the classes who have hitherto ruled, there is nothing surer than that the Working Man means to have his innings. He has found men of considerable force of character and great courage, who are prepared to advance his interests; and the only alternative for those who object to the working man's choice of leaders is to provide him with better if they can. Both parties at present in the House may be called Liberal; the Conservatives have vanished from the political arena, never to return. The Opposition is more forcibly directed against the methods than the objects of the party in power. A party pledged to provide remunerative employment for every one willing to work, and the means of comfortable subsistence for the very few who are incapable of rendering any kind of service in return, might have a chance of ousting the present Government; but nothing less radical than that can hope to succeed. The thin end of the wedge of this reform has already been driven, in the shape of State farms. This principle, carried in the direction of its legitimate conclusion, must soon find work for every man, until every acre of land is made the most of, or until the physical needs of the whole world are provided for. If once the principle of “work for every one” be practically acknowledged in this country, there will be no need for further inducement for immigration. And to the present Government must be given the credit of having initiated this very desirable reform.