The Evening Star WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 14, 1870.

Evening Star, Volume VIII, Issue 2403, 14 December 1870, Page 2

The Evening Star WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 14, 1870.

We are glad that the inhabitants of Dunedin have shewn that they will not allow themselves to be tyrannised over by a few noisy, ill-mannered, selfstyled politicians, who are alike ignorant of the subjects that they pretend to discuss and the respect that is duo to the feelings of their fellow-citizens. It is intolerable that a few “ roughs ” should be allowed to prevent information being given on subjects that so vitally affect the interests of every man, woman, and child in the Colony. There may be, and ever will bo, differences of opinion—but these very frequently arise from imperfect information. Every one who heard Mr Vogel last evening, must be conscious that the explanations he gave of the measures passed by the General Government differ very materially from those given by interested parties. Nothing is easier than to find fault. It is a Briton’s privilege to suspect Governments and Ministers of State. There is something flattering to one’s judgment to be allowed to sit or stand, and listen to the explanations given, and to express our approval of, or dissent from, what is said. It is a valuable privilege, this right of public meeting ; and it is a pity that it is so much abused. We believe it is commonly the case with musicians that they never enjoy music half so much as when they are amongst the performers, and it would seem this sense of enjoyment from personal exertions is equally felt by some politicians, if we may judge by the use to which they put thenlungs at public meetings. Most of those in the large crowd who assembled last evening went to listen. But there were others: who were fuming with impatience for an opportunity to display their abilities, and were prepared to do so no matter what disorder resulted. The good sense of the meeting kept them in check, and we trust the experience of last evening will shew that respectable men of all classes have only to will that a meeting shall be respectably conducted, in order to compel the rowdies to behave themselves. The advantage resulting from this patient hearing was apparent, by the general expression o'f approval of the measures adopted by the General Government for the prosecution of public works in the Colony. The principal points demonstrated by Mr Yogel last night were :—First, that Railways and Water Supply to the Goldfields can be effected more quickly, and at a less rate of interest than that authorised to be guaranteed by the Provincial Council. Secondly, that the cost of Railways is to be charged Frovincially. Those Provinces only will have them constructed that are in a position to pay the interest on their cost. Thirdly, that it is not proposed to bring immigrants into the Colony for the inn-pose of interfering with others’ labor, nor without a fair prospect of their succeeding here. Fourthly, that it is not the intention of the General Government to take action under the Acts passed, except on recommendation of the Superintendents of Provinces. There are persons who are so excessively timid that they will not accept a proffered good unless they are guaranteed against evil. Some of those asked last night what guarantee there was that these measures should not be changed by a vote of the General Assembly 1 They, in common with the people of the Colony, have the remedy in their own hands. They have now the whole question before them. They are in possession of a standard by which to judge of the fitness of their representatives to advocate their interests in the Assembly ; and it depends upon their choice at the elections whether the Province is to progress or to be allowed to stand still.