“The Press” In 1866

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31116, 20 July 1966, Page 12

“The Press” In 1866

July 20 At last the assembly is showing some signs of vitality, and there are some indications that they are about to proceed. we can hardly say to business, but to debate that may in good time lead to business. ... Mr Whitaker has brought forward a series of resolutions, embodying what Auckland, retreating before Mr Cardwell's uncompromising despatches, is willing to receive as an instalment of that total separation on which she has set her heart The Southern separationists are understood to be ready with their scheme, differing no doubt in material points from that of their Northern allies, while the Government stand hesitatingly between the two, and seem unwilling to commit themselves by prematurely decided ex-

pression of opinion to any course that may possibly prove opposed to the wishes of the majority. Mr Stafford, indeed, so far as his individual views are concerned, has been sufficiently plain spoken. In a memorandum to Mr Whitaker’s petition to the Queen that the Northern portion of New Zealand might be erected into a separate and independent colony, he declared his belief that a compliance with that request (a modest one, by the way, to be made by a single individual) “would be most injurious to the welfare of the colony, and would not only materially retard its advancement in the future, but also take away from its ability to provide for its existing burthens.” Unfortunately it is very doubtful how far these admirable sentiments are shared by his colleagues.