The Evening Star. FRIDAY, AUGUST 21, 1874

Evening Star, Issue 3587, 21 August 1874, Page 2

The Evening Star. FRIDAY, AUGUST 21, 1874

The debate on Mr Vogel’s resolutions is over, and, much to the surprise of many, they have been affirmed by a much larger majority than was contemplated by even the most ardent supporters of the proposal. The number of members whose nances are recorded indicate that very few were absent or did not pair ; although, apparently, eight decided upon not voting, and purposely absented themselves from the division. The number who voted for the resolution was forty-one, to which must be added five who paired, thus bringing the supporters up to forty-six out of seventy-eight members. The opponents of the measure who voted were sixteen, thus, adding the five who paired, making twenty-one in favor of the continuation of Northern Provincialism. Ip will be seen, therefore, that, including th.e eight who were in “ the pre,ducts ” of the House probably in Bellamy’s, the library, or the smoking room—and who neglected to appear when the division was cajled, seventyfive members were there. £he jgtmost support that was calculated upon in the first instance was a majority of ten to fourteen, whereas the actual majority was twenty-five, giving .very nearly two to one of those present, including pairs. This very conclusive result renders hesitation impossible, and makes scarcely necessary an appeal to the .country pn the subject, although we think it possible, on the question of so great a change in the form of Go- ! vernment of the Northern Island, it 1 will be deemed politic to take the opinion of the constituencies. Whatever may have been the proximate Cause that led to the introduction of the resolutions, it is plain that the time was opportune, and that men’s minds are prepared for the change. The very

first message sent by electric telegraph was the forerunner of it. Provincialism was a thing of necessity at one time: no other method could have been so effectual, when means of communication between the seat of Government and the different settlements were so uncertain, that it was almost as easy to have been governed from Sydney or Melbourne as from Auckland or Wellington. Steam and electricity have overridden distance and time, and the evils of divided rule have year by year developed themselves. During war it was aggravated by a number of commanders of petty armies making war on their own account without consulting the Government. There were colonels who engaged in expeditions against the Maoris, to keep their troops in a state of readiness ; others who allowed discipline to relax so much that the men under their command were absent from duty, and said to be enjoying themselves after soldiers’ fashion when their position was attacked by the enemy. The Government of the day were frustrated in a variety of ways in their efforts to tranquillize the Colony, and never succeeded until they obtained the sole and immediate control of the Native Department. Then came the public works and immigration schemes. They who have watched the course of events and marked the difficulties thrown in the way of carrying those measures through, must have observed the character of the opposition to them the Government has had to encounter. It has been a mere accident that in Otago our Superintendent has been one who thoroughly appreciated and cordially supported the Government in their far-sighted plans ; but it might have been otherwise had either of his opponents at the last elections for Superintendent been chosen. In either case the Premier would have been thwarted in his efforts on personal grounds, as he has been by the late Superintendent of Auckland and the present Superintendent of Wellington. Nor has personal antagonism been the sole motive, although, like the sapient member for Clutha, Mr Thomson, anything proposed by Mp 4 Yogel was certain to be opposed by them. The mode by which Provincial advantages have been sought to be obtained has not always been very straightforward. “ Do this for the Province and I and my tail will vote for you; refuse and we will oppose you,” has been too much the fashion, so that Ministers have been tempted to Walpolian tactics to secure the passing of measures even for the general good. The real difficulty has now to be grappled with. Nothing is easier than to decree the abolition of a bad system; nothing more difficult than to replace it by a good one. It is necessary that every provision of the new Bill shall be watched, weighed, and sifted in its bearing upon the separate interests of the different Provinces that are to remain. Our conviction is that our land fund has been long threatened by the Northern Provinces. The temptation of absorption of it into general revenue will now be removed, so far as they are concerned. Mr Yogel, by his endeavors at various times to render it good security on which to obtain advances for the prosecution of local public works, has always shewn that he considers it Provincial property ; and to the securing of it irrevocably our attention must be directed. Now is our oppor- , tuuity. The fear of its being pronounced common property has led to a reckless dealing with it that has not been for the advantage of the Province, however it may have enriched individuals. It is now becoming too valuable to be thrown away for nothing, and the revenue secured, it may be dealt with in the future in a more useful and statesmanlike way. The division list presents some curious alliances. Men who on most other points oppose each other, have agreed on this. Possibly being a Superintendent’s question may be the reason of Mr Macandrew’s name being linked with Mr Fitzherbert, Mr T. B. Gillies (ex-Superintendent of Wellington), Messrs Donald Reid, and J. L. Gillies (defeated candidates for the Superintendency of Otago), J, C. Brown, and Thomson. Time and circumstance .create queer alliances : common defeat is almost as certain to lead to friendships as a victory achieved. But oil and water though mixed by effort for a moment, soon separate, when left to themselves, and unity of vote on the resolutions betokens no change on the other questions involved.

It will be seen by the telegrams from our Wellington correspondent that the prorogation of the General Assembly has been fixed for Friday next, the 28th inst. By a typographical error the oratorio to be given by the Choral Society on September 5, was announced in our advertising columns as “Madman,” instead of “ Naaman.” The inquiry into the circumstances attending the collision between the p s. Comeraug and the ketch Mope, in I'ort Chalmers harbor, on Saturday, August 8, was last evening adjourned until the return of the captain of the Clyde. He is the only witness who remains to be examined. A resident at Wanganui informs the local paper that since the late earthquake there has been a hole, the depth of which he has been unable to fathom, in his back yard, the opening to which hole is about six incheacross. It answers the purpose of a drain, as it carries away in an instant water which 18 p ?! r ,red * Q *'° ’ 8 a^s ° reported that t-ne Manawatu beach shows a marked elevation above its former level. Some excitement has recently been created, says the ‘Cromwell Argus,’ by the fact of some rich ground having been struck at the Roaring Meg flat, on the opposite side of the river from Mr M‘Nulty’s hotel, A half-share in the burning across the Kawarau ■ as disposed of the other day for Ll5O. The gr'eat drawback to the working of the ground s the want of water ; if water could be brought directly on to it, and the ground

sluiced from the face, “piles” could be made. As it is, very handsome wages are realised, although the wash-dirt has to be sledged down to the river-bank, where the water can be brought to play upon it. “ Kenilworth ” was reproduced at the Princess Theatre last evening to a fair downstairs attendance. Mrs Hill as Amy Robsart, and Mr Steele as the Earl of Leicester, performed their respective parts admirably. The minor chrracters found suitable representatives. The amusing farce ol_ 11 -Che Absent Man” concluded the entertainment. 1 o-night is set apart for the joint benefit of the Misses May, Willis, and Martmeau, when “ The Heart of Midlothian ” and the farce of “ Bobby Al ” will be played. Between the pieces M. Beda will perform on the trapeze, followed by a musical melange.” We trust the appeal of these ladies will meet with a liberal response.

A man was recently sentenced at Auckland to a fine of 20s or forty-eight hours’ imprisonment for drunkenness, and instead of doing as ninety-nine out of a hundred would do under similar circums'auees, he persisted in taking the alternative of cheap lodging. Ide philosophical y remarked that the day was wet, and the morrow was likeiy to be wet also, so that it was extremdy unlikely that he could earn anything. He did not see the force of paying 2ls 6d, wh:-n there was no prospect of recouping the money, and after all it was but for forty-eight hours, which was lo>a-day. The ‘ Southern Cross’ admires the man’s financial ability, and thinks he might find sumo more extended sphere for his tahnts than in bargaining for “overnme; t lodgings.

A meeting of the Dunedin School Committee was hdd last evening; present, Mr C H. Street (in the chair), Messrs Stout, Livingston, Press ir. Rubin, Wright, Hay, and James (secretary). A ccmmunieUion was read from Mr Haliiwell, head master of the Middle District School, relative to a recent complaint brought against him by the Committee; the writer stating that it always had been, and would be his earnest endeavor to carry out the instructions of the Committee in a proper manner. The British Hearts of Oak Good Templar Lodge wioter questing a room in the North imnedin School for evening meetings. Af er discussion, the request was refused, as other societies would c'aim a similar privilege. Mrs John Allan was appoints 1 janitor of the Albany afreet school t the head master of which (Mr Montgomery) wrote seating that 177 children at present attended, ai.d that number was daily added to. He suggested the appointment of two pupil teachers, and recommended Miss Mo lison and Mr A. Johnston for the posts. The matter was referred to the Education Board.

The Kennedy Family have returned to Dunedin after an alsence of si mouths, during which time they have made a successful tour of the priucipal parts of the Colony, besides visiting the several inland towns of the Province, and last ev< aing they re-opeaed t the new Temperance Hall. There was an excellent attendance in all parts of the house ; the gallery being so inconveniently crowded that late arrivals were unable to get a glance at the stage. The first portion •f the entertainment was entirely devoted to Mr Kennedy, sonr., who, besid.s singing a number of songs, agreeably diversified the programme by relating some humorous anecdotes illustrative of Scottish manners and customs. Mss Kennedy played a fantasia on the piano, which was apy lauded. The second part was mainly carried out by the younger members of the troupe. “ Auld Robin Gray,” sung by Miss H. Kennedy, aud “ 'I he March of the Cameron Men ’ by Mr D Kennedy, set-mod to be thoroughly appreciated. The glees—the one by five voices, and (he other by six—came in for a large share of applause. The song, “Allister Macallister.” with imitations of the bagpipes, by Kennedy p4re. was perhaps the most mirth-provoking portion of the entertainment, which was brought to a close by "Auld Lang Syne,” the audience heartily joining in with the chorus. The Hall was rather insufficiently lighted last evening, some of the minor jets emitting no light ; but we believe that step* have been taken to remedy this evil. The company only intend to give eight concerts prior to their return to Melbourne. For to-night an entire change is announced ; and Mr Kennedy will recite “The Cotter’s Saturday Night.”