TOWN EDITION. The Daily Telegraph SATURDAY, AUGUST 20, 1881.

Daily Telegraph (Napier), Issue 3165, 20 August 1881, Page 2

TOWN EDITION. The Daily Telegraph SATURDAY, AUGUST 20, 1881.

Ts_ cry for "Separation" is the natural outcome of centralism, and Mr Macacdrew's motion is but the interpretation of Sir George Grey's Local Government Bill. Sir George proposes to re-divide the colony into provinces, each having its president and legislative powers. Mr Macandrew proposes that the number of tho province sball bt two««o„6 cora»

prising the North Island and the other the South Island. 1 here is nothing in the least alarming about the proposal, because effect to it is not likely to be given. But in the fact of Mr Ormond's want of confidence motion; in Sir George Giey's bill; and in Mr Maepndrew's motion for separation, we see chat the cause is the same, namely, supreme dissatisfaction with the existing system of administration. This feeling of faction is not of sudden growth ; it began with the abolition of provincial governments, ;;nd it has pone on increasing with every fresh assumption of power by the Central Government. And the breach will continue to widen until local administration is freed from the dominion of centralism. Tbe question should be kept steadily in view ; for though it may never be definitely settled, it will ahviiyfi exerci?e a wholesome check upon tbe grasping tendencies of central government. It should also be thoroughly understood that the bone of contention between centralists and provincialists is money. Every penny piece of revenue comes out of the pockets of the people, and the question is by whom shall that revenue be spent ? Shall it be doled out as prejudice and political exigencies may suggest to the several parts of the colony, after an army of civil servants have been provided for, whose services would not be required under a less cumbrous system, or, shall it be retained in the districts whic/h have raised it, and so save the waste r X>f filtration through the veins leading to and from the centre? Year by year more and more mrney has been required for the support of' centralism, until we have now the gigantic absurdity of a system for the governj raent of half a million of people that might be deemed out of proportion to the requirements of five million inhabitants. Nor should it be forgotton tbat as centralism fixes its bold on a country so its power extends and its cost increases. The one is the natural effect of the other ; for as it demands the employment of vast numbers so does its influence make itself felt in every circle of society; consequently no matter how mischievous and extravagant a system may be it will always have its staunch supporters amongst those who live by it. It has been said that the Ministries of New Zealand bold office at the pleasure of the Civil Service, and there is more truth in tbe statement than many may think. Tbe battle between centra Hem and provincialism is in truth a battle to determine whether the people or the public servants shall govern the colony.