The Evening Star FRIDAY, DECEMBER 13, 1872.

Evening Star, Issue 3064, 13 December 1872, Page 2

The Evening Star FRIDAY, DECEMBER 13, 1872.

Ttte Governments, both of Victoria and New South Wales, are in a dead-lock, and as a consequence there is a talk of alteration of the Constitutions, so ns to bring the Upper and Lower Houses into harmonious working. This is always the case whenever collision takes place between an Upper and a Lower Chamber. In England the House of Lords lias invariably proved it self a drag upon popular legislation, even if not absolutely obstructive. Measures for reform of abuses are usually rejected by them, session after session ; at first by large majorities ; but as time rolls on and public opinion becomes ripened and strengthened, changes take place in the lordly intellects ; they stoop to investigate the proposals thoroughly, and ultimately reason triumphs, and the Lords and Commons are at one again. So certain is the process in its course and development, that a fair estimate may be formed as to fhe lime requisite for jHieecss. It

is up-hill work for an English reformer. He has to look tonvawl to years of intense intellectual labor ; loi his opponents are legion. Commencing with an insignificant following, he has to instruct every class, beginning ns.ianv with the West. As they have, as a rule, few preconceived ideas on the suojeCi, they generally receive the new doctrines passively, and accept it as t ,rue - |. 10 / gras]) the reasoning and make it tneir own, so that, so commonly arc they m advance of the wealthier classes« m their knowledge of ape Hal subjects, that it nas become almost an axiom that reforms begin at the bottom. But generations pass away before, they reach the ansto-n-aey. The very fact of their lowly origin leads liereditaiT legislators to 100 with contempt upon what they consider the demands of the untaught. t lhis slow process has thcadvautago of basing Bntis i legislation on principles well understock by the lutelligeni in all ralists m mo, and gives sueh stability to it thav no vversalkif measures adopted alter years si agitation is on record. Act so oertinneious has the aristocracy occa--ioniilly been, that the Duke of >v dinglon found it necessary on one occasion 'O bring forcibly before, the kipper House ‘‘hat their privileges would be endangered, if they longer resisted the popular Mill, [u effect, ho said— 1 ’ My Lords, if yon inject this measure, you will be Lords no longer.” They took the hint, and passed it. On one or two occasions, when they have been unmanageable, the Crown has interposed to save them by creating now LVors. In vicM' of the difficulties the Mouse of Lords can thus place in the way of useful legislation, it becomes a very debatcahle cj nest ion whether an Upper House so constituted is the more useful or mischievous. Properly worked, (here seem to be great advantages in having a Chamber not liable to he unduly influenced, by popular impulse, but their function should he that of careful revision >f measures passed by the more popular Assembly. This seems to have been the idea of those who Qriginatod Lie Constitutions of the Australasian Colonies. Two principles are under trial amongst us—the elective and thonoinina‘ive. In Victoria, it might bo imagined Miat the Legislative Council being elected would ho more iu accord with the Assembly. They are chosen from a class drat is supposed to he more conservative diau the other House, because of having acquired property, and consequently •iglits, under a certain system of logislaion. It is presumed, therefore, that no nasty change will he made in measures under which they have prospered, _ and diat if they consent to alteration it "ill he with the conviction that it is for the better. The nominee syA.em is somewhat more aristocratic than the elective. r Jho honoraides arc created from above, not thrust up from below. They are supposed to be carefully selected on account of their special qualifications and influence. Iheir testimonials as to fitness should he tried service and public confidence. Judging by experience, both systems produce similar rosylts, J(. is not always true, but. in this iqsUpcc 11)0 proverb is verified --- *“ Extremes 'm%- The democratic Upper House in Victoria has been in frequent collision with Demos iu the Lower House, There it is a struggle for privilege. Every deadlock (hat has taken place there has assumed that phase. They are creating precedents ior i'uuirc guidance, and defining the boundaries within which each shall be allowed to act. VVescc, by our telegrams, that the Upper Chamber .seeks to have power to veto what the other House may approve-a grasping after separate privileges which would tend to create confusion by divided responsibility. This is uoi iAcjy to be conceded to them, neither should it. L,i New South "Wales the Upper House is threatened with reform been use of contumacy. V ery possibly different men iu all our Upper Chambers would be a great improvement. The tumbling-luck that has fallen upon a number of early colonists, has raised men into influential positions who are unfitted by nature, habit, and education to fill thorn : but the system is not to be blamed for the faulty details of the machinery. That is where reform is needed. The defects of all machines arc discovered when they have begun to work, but they will not mend themselves.

It may be Ju |bo recollection ot some of our vendors; that, when Mr Stafford look olfiee, tlio Event m Star objected to bis policy, amongst other reasous, because lie had never relied so much for success upon the merit of the measures lie introduced or advocated, as upon that most objectionable of all practices—political log-rolling. This term of American backwood origin has become naturalized among us, because it is expressive of a combination for mutual h.ejp, “Give me a roll with my log, and I will ,giyo you one with yours.” This would be iei'y ivglft and proper wore the object laudable, but unfortunately that is seldom the case where political log-rolling is resorted to. It implies a bidding for support on one side by promise of a special favor, and a sacrifice of principle on the other to gain it. Wo did not expect to hare been able to have proved our objections to be well grounded after so short a time. By many who wish to pass for shrewd men, we were charged with political prejudice, and perhaps they may st|H cling to that idea, even after the evidence rye arc about to adduce is laid before them. On the 28th of last month, 3lr Header Wood, one of Mr Stafford’s supporters, gave his constituents a history of the Session. His name is well known through his long connection with the Parliamentary history of New Zealand, and from his knowledge of parties he is not one to be deceived nor to say of his own chief what was not likely to bo true. The story of the session, as related by Mr Header Wood, is so amusing that wo arc tempted to quote from it at some length; but its 1 minor is not its chief recommendation. What we chiefly desire is that the true character of our statesmen should he known, in order that the country may know whom to trust. If only tin’s lesson is learnt, qxtv Northern men will have spoken to some purpose,.

You are aware that after twenty-eight days •this Ministry (the Stafford Ministry), with a majority of four went out in a minority of two. [ wish to explain this to you. It is simple ai)d obvious enough that some went over to one side and some to the other. But what should reasonably have been expected of the Stafford Government, who had obtained their position after a haid struggle? If they had been perfectly compact —if enthusiasm had animated the party—secession from it would have been impossible. What it would in ordinary cases have done should be to obtain the “waifs and strays.” at the same time that its own phalanx would have been firm. The exact opposite took place. It is somewhat difficult to say why, in one word, where the reasons and motives to a particular action are so mixed. Yet I will say why in one won;, and that word is exactly. I think, the word which describes what happened,-it was “log-rolling." Tjiey began io “log-roll" at the very first, and they kept on' “log-rolling” to the last. I am about to give an instance,or two of this log-rolling. When it is done by skiliijl iiud consummate artists it is worthy of

watching. When I tell you that the artists in this case wore no other than such men a* Mr Stafford and Mr Fitzherbert, you will see there is something to bo loam from the story. lam going to tell you facts; you will draw your own inferences from them In 1870-1 Mr Fitzherbert was not only a firm supporter of Mr Fox’s Government, but it was generally supposed that Mr Fox, through him, favored the Province of Wel’ington more than lie ought to do. You would, therefore, suppose that there would bo a very grateful feeling on the part of Mr Fitzherbert towards Mr Fox’s Government. Last session Mr Fitzherbert commenced as a supporter •of Mr Fox’s Government. He called himself the very best friend to that Government. It became known, however, when the change became known, that Mr Stafford was very anxious to have Mr Fitzherbert sitting beside him on the Ministerial benches. It was generally understood that if Mr Stafford failed in having this, his Government would be considered weak, while on the other hand, if he succeeded, his Government would be a. strong one. Well, while this Cabinet-making was going on (cheers and laughter) -I saw an announcement in a morning paper that Mr Stafford offered to Mr Fitzherbert a scat in his Cabinet, which was, however, declined. The next day I heard that .Mr Fitzherbert’s friends had been to him and endeavored to persuade him to accept the proffered seat; that the interest of the country and the Province absolutely demanded that he should take office. Thay begged him to re-con-sider his determination. Although lie did not give a decided answer, it was hoped that he would give the new Government the benefit of his services. The next day I read the announcement th it Mr Fitzherbert had accepted. There was the friend of the previous Government sitting beside Mr Stafford, until then his greatest opponent. Was that the landing of the fish ‘t Then Mr Stafford made his Ministerial statement, in effect that his Government was formed on the basis of the unity of the Colony, the seat of Government remaining at Wellington. It was also stated that the new Government undertook to construct all the railways which had been previously authorised, including that one from Wellington to the Wairarapa. . . . There was another instance just as clumsy ns the last was skilful. There are four natives in the House. It is a very skilful thing to get those natives to vote in the direction they are wanted to vote. They were usually considered a close pocket borough of Mr McLean’s. Utterly they have not been so. It was amusing to see the finessing that went on to get their votes. There was no question of native policy, but the Government came down to tell us that it was part of their policy to give back to the natives the confiscated lands. That appeared to be a bid for the Maori votes. . . . Well then cometh th- last chapter of this “ strange eventful history.' 1 When they got their adverse vote, they wanted the Governor to dissolve. The G >vcrnor took a very proper course in the matter. He said there was no question to go to the country upon, He said, “ You both agree, I will not allow you to dissolve.” Suppose he did dissolve the Assembly, what should I (Reader Wood) have had to say to you when I came hack ? Everyone would be on the tiptoe of expectation to hear what the question was. I would not have to say there was a divided House upon a question of public policy. Nothing of the kind, hut that “ Codlings was the man, and not Sharp”-Stafford was the man, not Vogel.

“ Citizen’s” letter will appear to-morrow. Mr Andrew Mercer lias been appointed a Justice of the peace for the Colony. Mr H. C. B'ewcr, Judge’s associate, has beep admitted a barrister and solicitor of the Supreme Courf. The Governor will arrive here on the 21st inst. instead of the 20lb, and it is definitely arranged he will land at Rattraystreet jetty, arriving there in the Luna.

The case of illness on the Quarantine Island, as reported yesterday, is recovering so fast that the doctor on the inland is under the impression that it is not scarlatina. The patieiit is a child. Wc believe it is intended to iuvito the Governor and his suite to a chiz ns 5 ball during his visit to the Province. As soon as the arrangements in connection with the reception are completed, his Worship the Mayor will invite the co-operation of a number of the leading citizens to carry out this object, Wc understand that it is likely that h'S Excellency the G.oVepn.og wul be accompanied on his visit to <>tago by tho‘ (-.on. »WH. Reynolds—the Horn Mr Waterhouse, who was to have accompanied him, being prevented doing so by official duties. Mr Reynolds will afterwards start from Dunedin direct to Australia to atte nd the Conference there-

The Board of Health, as newly constituted, met to day, AU the members oi the Executive were present, as well as Dr Mr S. H. Fish, and the C--Hector of Customs. It was resolved to invite the members of the old Board to meet the new Board at the Port to-morrow, at II o’clock, to confer with them on the advisability of admitting as many of the immigrants as possible to pratique.

Owing to other engagements, several members of the Diocesan Synod of Dunedin were not present at tho opening of the Synod on Wednesday, and consequently their names were not appended to the address presented to the Right Rev. Bishop of the Diocese, i hey have since, however, telegraphed their desire to have their names added, as follows: —The Rev. J. Jones, 01 de; R. Col Toy, Queenstown ; W. E. Oldham, Riverton ; A. Giffovd, Ofri^aru; R. L. Stanford, Tokomainro ; and Mr 'L F. Reid. The Registration and Revision RdJ, now before the Anglican-Church Synod, is one which no doubt y/id excite considerable interest amongst members of that body. 1 1 provides for the appointment of registrars in each parish or district throughout the diocese, whose duty it will be to annually make up lists of all persons claiming to vote in the election of members of idocesan or General Synod. Early in April ■ f each year all such lists sre to be affixed to the doors of tiie churches or other public places in the districts for which they have been compiled { but no person claiming to vote can have his name placed on the list after the 31st of March. Lists of the names of persona objected to are to be exhibited in like manner. In July tho Revision Court will hold its sittings, when all claims and objections will be decided and the lists perfected. The electoral quadfication is simply a declaration of Church membership in tho presence of witnesses, The appointment of registrars and revisingofficers, and the general administration of the measure, will rust with the Diocesan Standing Committee,

The “School for '•'caudal ” was once more played at the Princess * heatre last evening, and seems to lose none of its attractions by repetition. It was well put on the stage, and as well performed. In fact, we do not know that we ever saw it better played throughout than last evening. There was some alteration in the cast since it was last produced. Mr Clinton took the part of Sir Oliver Surface, Mr Douglas that of Joseph Surface, Miss Gassy '-»a,tfcliews fvppGUl'Gfl US Mrs Candour and Mias Herberte as Cady Sneerwell. The other characters were as before. Mr Hoskins, who sppeared for the first time since his illness, was warmly greeted by the audience. He never played the part of Charles Surface better, and that is saying much in his favor. M iss Colville’s Cady Teazle was a finished representation, as w«a also the part of Mrs Candour by Miss t’assy Matthews, The sgrseu scene was most admirably represented. There v/»s a total absence of staginess in it. Mr Douglas, as Joseph Surface, avoids the vice of the ippeara ce of cant: he correctly interprets the character, by making him appear a consummate hypocrite, through not straining to appear virtuous : so natural is every tone, that suspicion must ho disarmed. But the e(F ct would have been marred had not sir Peter Teazle boon well represented. Mr Musgrave was equal to the necessity, and on all hands, it must he admitted, Ms Sir Peter is perfect. “A Dead Shot” followed, in which the chief characters, Louisa l.ovetrick and »-*ector Timid, were represented by Mr and Mrs Walter Hill. It is needless to say that they were played in a very superior style.—This evening, Mr Hoskins takes a hciivijt, jqjd wfll appear as Dr l’anglocs,

L.L.D. and A.S.S. in the “Heir.-h-Law.” | Apart from the attraction of the piece iiself, Mr Hoskins has established himself so well in the goodwill of the people of Dunedin as to assure him a full house.

There was a special meeting of the Education Board to-day. at which there were present his Conor (ho Sup-rintejulcnt, Messrs Turnbull. M‘D,nmd, and Bastings. A good deal of businer-s was got through, the principal and that of local interest being tha following :—A deputation from Fort Chalmer-* urved die pressing necessity of something being done to provide better and more suitable accommodation for the grainmar school there. It was lepvewn'ed that at Home Bft. tin. of room was .allowed for each child in schools, while at the Fort the space ; n the several rooms was ■■ft. lOiu ; 3ft 9in. ; and 3ft bin. The buildings were the ohle t schoo 1 buildings in the Province ; and it was deemed inadvisable to go on patching them. As it w as, some of the scholars under the mistress hj oi been taken to the Masonic HaU. where they were now taught, the School Committee having leas 'd that building. The Cmnuvttco asked the Board to vote a sura for new bull bugs, The Inspector of Schools stated the case was a pressing one. It was agreed to remit the matter to the Government for i s favorable consideration. A deputation from the Port Chalmers Mechanics’ Institute urged that in terms of a letter from Mr Duncan, as Provincial Secretary in 18G7, the Institute was entitled to a subsidy on nil permanent improvements and buildings, in addition to books, while the Board’s minute of March last onlv a’lowed the latter. The Board resolved that it could only grant subsidies in books. The Rector of the High School wrote, suggesting, if it was the Board’s intention to continue Provincial Scho'a sbip examinations, that the Boa’-d of Examiners should be summoned to meet. The inspector of Schools advised, as there was now a considerable number of Provincial scholars at tho High School, the examination should not be proceeded with for the present, and the Board agreed toaefconthat suggestion, Mr Abram’s resignation as English Master at the High School was ac? copied. The subsidy to the Tomahawk school was continued for this year only. On the Inspector's suggestion, the salary of Miss Fisher. Middle District school, was raised from LSO to L6O a year ; Mr Lindsay, third master at the same school, from L 75 to LlffO; Miss Johnston’s, North Dunedin school, from 1,60 to L 75; and Mr Milne’s, third master of the some school, from L 75 to LI 00.

A cricket match will be played on the Citizens’ ground to-morrow, between an eleven of tipit chib and the Ironmongers of the city; wickets to be pitched at 1.30. The following are the teams; — G.C-C- — Coxhead (F.M.), Cole, Fagan, M'Millan, Wat<on (W.), Coxhead (A ), Dunning, Watson (J.), Greenfield (K.), Muxvay, Gre-nfield (G.), Glen, Wathen. Ironmongers— M‘Neil (M.), Anderson (J. W.), .Sheppard, Morrison (W ), Thompson, Peake, Mar-Men, Mills, Webb (A.), Braid, Manning, M'Leod, Crawford.