The Dunstan Times. FRIDAY, JUNE 30, 1871.

Dunstan Times, Issue 480, 30 June 1871, Page 2

The Dunstan Times.

FRIDAY, JUNE 30, 1871.

Beneath the Rule of Men entirely j cst the pen is mightier than the sword

Tn f days of are be coming numbered, not perhaps that Provincialism will be abolished in loto, but it will, in all probability be so modified and clipped of its proportions as to become a serviceable institution, and'not a mere playing at Government. The carrying of Dr Menxies’ proposition on the voices, “ that it is expedient to introduce a Bill into the Council this session, that conti guous Road Board districts having common interests may unite to form a county, the County Board to consist' of representatives from the district Road Boards ” including a number of other clauses relating to details of management, must be accepted as clearly pointing out the change in our form'of government to which we are ;

now drifting; - When weseethe staunch friends of Provincialism advocating the County’system it -is pretty good evidence that the barque that they have so long sailed inis sinking'uhder them,'and that it is advisable to escape while there is yet time. We do not advocate the throwing of ourselves entirely upon the mercies of the General government We believe that we should retain some form of local self government, and this as best done in the shape of Road Boards, and the County system. .The subject of Road Boards has not found much favor yet on the gold-fields, for reasons that so

little land beingsold there was nothing to derive a revenue from, unless by unduly taxing the few unfortunate landed proprietors, while these in their turn would strongly object to the whole burthen of the system falling upon them. This difficulty has in a great measure been obviated. Holders of landed property have very largely increased of late, and they are sti 1 increasing, while there are numbers of other persons who might be taxed to make roads, and we think that as m the case of Municipalities, were the Government to give a bonus at starring, in addition to the subsidy, the Road Boarty?ystera might be started at once without much difficulty The inefficiency of public works in the hands of the Provincial Government is proverbial; On the gold-fields we may sao there are no public works at all, even the roads are so out of repair as to be not worth calling by that name. The County system is the only escape we have from centralising Provincialism, and now chat it is confesssedonall sides that this favorite old identyism must go the way of all flesh, we glaily welcome Dr. Menzies’ propositions*bra substitute.