The Akaroa Mail. TUESDAY, MAY 23, 1882. PARLIAMENTARY.
Tare Governor's speech ia a very satisfactory one in many respects. All will agree in the opening paragraph, regarding the escape of Her Majesty from danger; and the hope that the extension of the franchise and increased representation will cause more general attention to be paid to the deliberations of those "in Parliament assembled" will, we think, be fully realised. The disappearance ol great distress among the working classes is undoubtedly a great cause for unanimous congratulation, and so also is the increase in the revenue and tbe general commercial prosperity.
The favorable results springing from the formation ot the railways through unsettled country are now becoming apparent, for, as the speech says, " fresh groups of population are settling in districts which only required means of access to make them prosperous." The excellent news that the railways are this year paying nearly 4 per cent, on the cost of their construction, which means that they are fi'.st approaching the selfsuoporting stage, and may fairly be expected to be a source ot revenue before many years are past, will be received with delight fir and wide, the construction of new, and extension of existing lines. It is true a loan is not actually mentioned, but it is stated that the generally prosperous {state of the country appears amply to justify|provision for the extension and ultimate completion oi the main trunk lines of railway, and other important works in connection with them ; and if this means anything at all, it must mean a new loan ; and let us hope that when it comes the claims of this district may not be forgotten. It is to be hoped that the proposed measures of reform promised by the speech will render "the administration of justice more speedy and efficacious," for certain reforms in that direction are indeed sorely needed. Amongst the promised Bills are two to amend the " Counties " and " Road Board" Acts, and we shall be curious to see what alterations are proposed in i hose measures.
Nearly one-half the speech is devoted to Native, affairs, the greater part being a mere recapitulation of the course taken at Parihaka. It is proposed to pass a bill doing away with the necessity for a trial of Te Whiti and Tohu, but at the same time preventing their return to Parihaka lor a considerable period, during which time the present policy of astonishing them with a view of our irami'iise resources, and the consequent futility of any successful resistance on their part, will no doubt be persevered in. 1 his seems to us a peculiarly wise proceeding, and more likely to have the result of causing the Natives to respect our laws, and allow the Queen's writ to run through the land, than any harsher measure could have done.
With regard to the state of parties in the House, there seems to be a great variety of opinion, "The quiet nonofficial whips," to quote the Press correspondent, " who go noiselessly about ascertaining how things are shaping, are entirely scornful of the Opposition's prospects, declaring Ministers are s'rong enough to carry all before them." There arc others, however, who boldly declare that out of tho present chaotic state of the Opposition a really strong party will be formed, with our own member, Mr Montgomery, as tho leader. One thing is certain, and that is, that the party will not have fciir George for a leader, and it certainly looked from the first business clone this session, -with regard to the election of a Speaker, that Mr Macandrew was to fill the position of chief of the Opposition. Perhaps, however, fturtb.-;;; members object, but in any case we are sure thnt Messrs Macmdn--.'- ;md Montgomery, whatever the •..: ....hers opposed to the Governmi-ut, are !i«-eiy to act together, and will probably have a much stronger following than any other section of the Opposition. It is said a caucus has already hpen held, and that there is a prospect of more unity than prevailed last session. It is, however, too early in the session to say much on these matters, for we must recollect there are many new members in the House, who are at present simply looking round before deciding on any definite course of action. Weeks must elapse before parties have finally settled down into their proper positions, and the real casus belli on which the struggle will take plnce is yet hidden in the womb of the future.
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Akaroa Mail and Banks Peninsula Advertiser, Volume VI, Issue 611, 23 May 1882, Page 2
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750The Akaroa Mail. TUESDAY, MAY 23, 1882. PARLIAMENTARY. Akaroa Mail and Banks Peninsula Advertiser, Volume VI, Issue 611, 23 May 1882, Page 2
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