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Dunstan Times, Issue 790, 8 June 1877, Page 2

In another column will bo found a copy of the petition praying for the severance of the County. That, even if in form, it will be assented to is extremely improbable. The reasons set. forth in the preamble for the erection of a new County are lamentably insufficient, and, but that the matter is too serious to be trifled with, they would be amusing. It is gravely stated “ that in the opinion of your Petitioners it Is highly desirable in

the interests of the Colony, and of the district in which your petitioners reside, as well as for the better working of the County system of government, that a new County should bo constituted.” Surely the copyist must have made a slight mistake: and in the original it must read somewhat after this fashion—“ln the interests of Cromwell, and for the greater glorification thereof, it is highly desirable that a new County should be created.” This, at any rate, is what is meant by “your Petitioners,” and they have spared no pains to make the fact palpable to all and sundry. Their “ opinion ” is, therefore, not likely to have much weight with Parliament, if indeed the petition ever gets so far, which is doubtful. The members will know exactly how much weight should be attached to this profound regard for “ the interests of the Colony and the shallow pretence of desiring to promote “the better working of the County system ” will provoke the ridicule it merits. The document savours of Cromwell throughout. Arrogant assertion is made to supply the place of argument, and local selfishness is clothed in the garb of public spirit. In what way will “ the interests of the Colony ” bo conserved by making the northern end of the County a tributary of Cromwell 1 Nay, for that matter, how will the interests of the ratepayers be promoted thereby 1 Yet, this is the real end and aim ot the clique from whom this precious petition emanated. As to “ the better working of the County system ” it is sufficient answer to say that even “ your Petitioners ” do not, and cannot allege that the system has, in Yinccnt County, been imperfectly worked. On the contrary it is admittedly the model County of Otago, if not cf New Zealand. We trust that the Chairman will use his utmost endeavors to defeat the iniquitous attempt of the Cromwell agitators to dismember the County— Councillor Oolclough to the contrary notwithstanding. And seeing the paucity of signatures, we have very little doubt but that an enquiry, if called for, will demonstrate the fact that three-fifth* of the Electors have not signed the Petition, although Corporation money has been misapplied and whiskey shouted galore at the public expense, to induce unwilling men to attach their signatures thereto. Evidence is not wanting of these little facts and of others equally discreditable, and when the Commission sits, many curious things will be brought to light, to the confusion of the faction, and the joy of all honest men.