The Evening Post. TUESDAY, APRIL 11, 1865.

Evening Post, Issue 54, 11 April 1865, Page 2

The Evening Post. TUESDAY, APRIL 11, 1865.

Conflicting opinions are, as miyht be expected, expressed by the home press on our affairs— New Zealand has become a familiar name with the English people, and we have gained a somewhat unenviable notoriety. The leading journal — the Times — while it pities our difficulties, censures uur, principles, and condemns us for having a war that was brought about by Imperial influences, at the same the writer expresses himself as strongly interested for the British taxpayers who have to bear the expense of a war that is carded on in the most remote of antipodean islands. < The Times hardly treats our case with the impartial judgment necessary for the leading paper — a paper that exercises an almost unlimited sway over the opinions of the home public— the whole political constitution of New Zealand is misconceived, and we, by being so many thousands of miles away from the mother country, are condemned upon the evidence of party statements. English people and statesmen will not recognise the difficulties our Colonial Government have to contend with, and which arise from the peculiar connexion which exists between the Home and Colonial Governments. A Governor is sent to rule us who is supposed to act in conformity with the advice of his Ministers, and, at the same time, by orders from the Colonial Office, in Downing street; the two often clash, and are frequently diametrically opposed to each other. The Governor, acting by the advice of his Ministers, may issue proclamations, which, not meeting with the approval of the Minister for the Colonies, become void;

and the Colonial Minister in his turn legislates upon questions which, by the time we receive the despatches, are six months old. This system is manifestly unfair, and its disastrous effects may be seen in the prolonged native rebellion. We do not wish to throw off the yoke ol the mother country, but we must have an understanding that will prevent a recurrence of the late vacillating policy. The home country, governing by its proxy, Sir George Grey, are virtually responsible for the troubles arising out of such government. It must be apparent to all who have watched the course of events that the Imperial representative has acted contrary to the wish of the whole colony ; it matters little whether his Excellency's conduct has been guided by instructions from home in native matters or not, the responsibility of the British Government is still the same — Sir George Givy is their servant, not ours. If the voice of the colonists had any weight at home it is possible that Sir George Grey's reign here would be short. The Times speaks loudly about the distress of the taxpayers at home, and the unjustness of their having to pay lor the New Zealand war, which might be prolonged lor an indefinite period, without reflecting that the length of the struggle is mainly due to the legislation of their own Government. However the hypothesis existed that a people at the other end of the world could successfully manage the affaits of this country, we are at a loss to imagine ; not only does distance preclude the possibility, but by not being on the ground to form unprejudiced opinions of passing events, they are led into error by party tales. Such a letter as Mr. Fitzgerald's, although in many points true and illustrative of our position, throws a censure of selfishness over the whole colony that is undeserved ; he infers that the colonists, so ling as they were spending Imperial treasure, cared little how long the war lasted, but, when asked to contribute a share, they shouted for peace. Such statements, will strongly prejudice the people at home: against us, and make us and our war more unpopular than ever. Tenders are called foi by the Colonial Secretary, for the erection of a house for Native orderly, to be built in the rear of the present Government House, and from the Provincial Secretary, for widening three points of the Kemutaka Road Among the new firms coming here is that of Messrs. Cohen & Co., who have secured a site for building in one of the principal business streets in the town. They intend to <open a large furniture mart. JMr. Smart's asphalte pavement is getting greatly into favor — several of our townsmen have luidCjiX^id down in front of their stores, nnjt^fr Smart is now engaged in front of the store of Messrs. Port, Young, and Co. Credit is due to those who provide for the public good at their own cost ; and, while we praise the inhahiiants ior their enterprise, we think that the Town Board should cause the work to be done, that the footpaths of the town might present one uniform width, and as far as possible, one level. / On Thursday next, Mr. J. 11. Wallace will sell by. public auction, at his Land Mart, Lamblon-Quay, at two p.m., some valuable freehold property, situated corner of Mulgrave and Sydney-streets. A considerable number of our sporting rilizens have determined upon holding a preliminary meeting at the New Zealaudcr Hotel, Manner street, this evening, at seven o'clock, for the purpose of forming a Jockey Club. From the names of gentlemen mentioned as taking an interest in this proceeding we re:a r d the formation of a club of this nature as a success. It is un lerstood that a discussion will take place this evening as to the propriety of electing a committee and appointing officers for a Scratch Race for this season.