The Evening Star FRIDAY, JUNE 14, 1872.

Evening Star, Issue 2908, 14 June 1872, Page 2

The Evening Star FRIDAY, JUNE 14, 1872.

There is just now the usual blank in the discussion of subjects of Colonial importance that precedes the meeting of Parliament. We do not think this

altogether the best for the country, nor would it be considered the best for a Government, were party spirit superseded by earnest desire on the part of our representatives to adopt measures, irrespective of the men who propose them. We confess ourselves unable to perceive that gieat advantage which many able men see in the government by party, which lias become so interwoven in the theory of representative institutions. Such a system neces sarily involves the absorption of the individual in the party. Pie is bound for its sake to sink his private convictions, to compromise many of his principles, and to support measures occasionally which he had rather oppose. It is perfectly true that no Government could conduct national affairs without the support of a majority in Parliament ; but, theoretically, that majority should be secured by proposing plans manifestly based upon sound principle and justice to all men. Instead of

that, party binds itself occasionally to strive to undo what the other side has done, or to profess to do so in order to drive them from power, and administer measures already begun, and which cannot therefore be abandoned. Naturally, before the assembling of Parliament next month, there is some curiosity as to what the strife of parties will arise from. J3ut party tactics forbid any premature disclosure. In this respect the Government has its advantage. They know precisely the state of affairs, they are prepared with certain measures which they consider necessary, and they are pretty well acquainted 1 with the current of public feeling.

The result of every fresh election is an indication of the set of the tide of popular opinion. Nelson sends a man favorable to public works, while Waikouaiti, so long professedly anxious for public works, stultifies itself by sending one opposed to them. The public, therefore, can hardly even guess at the prospect of the session. They are only informed upon what will be proposed about education. On all other subjects their opinion is not asked, and on that, the Ministry themselves divided, will not stake their position. From all that can be gathered from the mutterings of ex-parliamentary utterranees, the strong point of the professed opposition is alleged waste of public revenue, and delay in carrying out of public works. Some go farther, and oppose the Government because of fulfilling their duty in endeavouring to carry out measures forced upon them last session. It must never be forgotten, however, that two circumstances are essential to successful opposition : a common ground which commends itself to the majority of the country as justifiable, and men at the head of it on whom public confidence relies. This is evident at Home, and in every country having representative institutions. In England, from the time of Charles the First, there have been always two well defined parties, which, though known popularly as Tories and Whigs, really represent the two opposing principles of aristocracy and democracy. Gradually the democratic principle has gained ground, and wrested from the aristocratic classes step by step their exclusive principles. In this Colony no such boundary line exists ; and if, just now, there be any division of opinion, it is between those who understand what is necessary to the development of Colonial industry and those who do not. Beyond this, so far as public works are concerned, it is a mere matter of administration capable of being decided by reference to the experience of the past, to that of other countries, and to common business principles. Practically the Native question is solved, and apparently all that is now required is to see that equal justice is dispensed to the Maori and White races. The Opposition may perhaps raise the question of cost; but in reply the Government may fairly set the expense of the war against the peace system, and ask the Opposition if they think the Colony, and especially the Middle Island, is prepared for a reproduction by them of the wretched past, from the cost of which it has just been rescued. Very possibly other perplexing and difficult questions may be brought up, such as Provincial versus General Government administration, and other changes on which public opinion is not yet formed. But so far as yet appears, there is no cohesion in the Opposition. It is not one of principle, but is merely personal. If men were to believe all that one politician says about another, who would be trusted ? Mr Stafford considers Mr Fox incapable, Mr Yogel visionary, and is equally complimentary to other members of the Ministry ; but then Mr Stafford was displaced because his measures were driving the country to confusion. Mr Gillies and Mr Beid side with Mr Stafford, and condemn the Treasurer, and we are not nrepared to say they may not have some reason on their side for no man is perfect, but why should men place more confidence in them because they dis-

cover a mote in his eye, before they have given proof that the beam is withdrawn from their own eyes 1 We have no doubt there will be a strong Opposition party, and like the public we are curious to know on what ground and under what leaders.