The Clutha Leader. THURSDAY, DEC. 9, 1875.

Clutha Leader, Volume II, Issue 74, 9 December 1875, Page 5

The Clutha Leader. THURSDAY, DEC. 9, 1875.

In our last issue we drew attention • to the circumstance that in our opinion the members of the Opposition ought to be supported during the coming elections, upon the ground that it was entirely 1 owing to them^that the constituencies have an opportunity of expressing an opinion on the question of the continuance OK7otherwise of Provincial Institutions. The Opposition, by the course they pursued, shewed that they had a far juster appreciation of what was due to the country than the Government and their party had. It may therefore be expected that in future they will act in the same liberal spirit as they have acted in the past. But there are other reasons why they are deserving of support. For a. long time past strange rumors have been- in circulation regarding the Native Lands Purchase Department. These rumors bave been of an almost incredible character. The Government knew of them but took no steps to set themselves right in the matter. In every instance the initiative was taken by the Opposition. It may be said. that the reports of the various' Committees that ivestigated these land transactions did not in any particular -altogether bear out these rumors. It must be recollected, however, that these Committees were composed of members drawn from both sections of the House, and that supportera of the Government predominated. If in the ro\tgh draft of the report there are any expressions which seem to rell against the Government, these are toned down at the instigation of members of the Committee who are favorable to the Government. Such at least we are informed is the course of procedure adopted in these Committees. A more correct way of arriving at the truth is to read the evidence led before these Committees. : We are convinced that anyone who will take the trouble to do this, will arrive at the conclusion that there' 4 have been land transactions far from creditable to the Government, and that have been injurious to the public interests. It is entirely owingto the Opposition that these have been brought to light, and altho' nothing can now be done to remedy the evil results of these transactions, yet the exposures that have taken place cannot fail to have a beneficial etfect upon the Government in their future dealings with respect to the Native Lands. Then again, the Opposition bave strongly drawn the attention of the country to the wasteful extravagance of the Government, and the necessity for the most rigid economy. It is needless to expect the very slightest attempt at retrenchment at the hands of the present Government. Under their administration the various denartments of the civil service have gone on increasing both in numbers of employes and in the rate of salary? The work of retrenchment must soon be commenced, as the present rate of expenditure is more than the 'country ;can bear. Be it commenced when it may, this work of retrenchment will be a -very unpleasant one, and with a large and influential. section of -'the community, a vei*y tin-,

popular one, Sri unpleasant and un.popular will it be that tbe present' Go. vernment ttfill never touch it' even with its little finger.; • They have .found it so pleasant. to go; on adding*, to the number of theip employes- and,.increasing* year by year their, .salaries,; that no one would expect to find them . undertaking the unpleasant task of the contrary process. It must, however, , be done, and as the Opposition have prominently drawn public attention to the matter, we should ; expect to - see them making a commencement, with this unpleasant work, and -gradually reducing* the expenses of the civil establishments withiii reasonable bounds. These are merely items and indications of the policy of the Opposition. They are very important ones,; however, and we submit them, for. the earnest and intelligent consideration of pur readers, and as a guide to them in determining* thecourse they ought to pursue at the coming elections.