The Evening Star MONDAY, JUNE 7, 1875.

Evening Star, Issue 3833, 7 June 1875, Page 2

The Evening Star MONDAY, JUNE 7, 1875.

The business the Provincial Council has yet to consider is, according to the Order Paper, heavy enough. What proposals the Government will select for sacrifice so as to be enabled to prorogue at an early date is not yet intimated. Probably the Education Bill will go. Indeed, we believe it is only kept on the paper for the sake of appearances, and to induce a little mild pressure which it is already predetermined to give way to. A hint was thrown out by the Provincial Secretary the other day that he would not object if the permissive rate was turnedfinto a general rate. It is hardly likely that so astute a politician thinks it probable that the wiUbejirepami must, sooner or later, be imposed, but any Government introducing it will have to have the courage of its own opinions, and not shelter itself behind a majority in the Council, perhaps, driven unavoidably into a false position. Expereince now shows ushowever much we may regret it—that education management, when such management means dipping into the ratepayers’ pockets, is a fruitful resource of the outs and ins in Provincial Councils. As finances are at present in Otago we do not suppose that it was ever intended to do more than introduce the Bill this session with a view to positive action being taken next year, A more difficult and more pressing question—what position should the Province take up with regard to the construction of branch railways by private companies ? —cannot, however, be burked in a similar way. The Peninsula and Ocean Beach Railway Bill, as well as the Kaitangata Bill now down for second reading, ask a decision at the hands of the Council. It is not to be disguised that there is a very uneasy feePng arising in reference to these measures. Certain heavy conditions are imposed on the companies, but manifestly they, in return, anticipate an ample return, and Government protection extending even as far as enforced redemption at valuation. What is known as. the Outram Railway, and the difficulties connected with a satisfactory solution of the best line for it to follow, are foretastes of what is to be expected, vVith regard to that railway, one party—apparently the most energetic promoters—wants it to run from Greytown to Outram. Another party, including Mr Reid, in his dual capacity as member for the Taieri and head of the Government, say that the line to be ultimately of the most value should run from Mosgiel. This question and similar ones ought to be fought out ou their merits, without the prominent interposition of Government. Such a course might certainly involve a few mistakes, but in the end it would be more satisfactory, and would produce fewer delays in the opening-up of the country. The other Bills before the Council are of a strictly technical nature, excepting Mr Tolmie’s Local Thistle Prevention Bill. There is the usual number of motions to be brought forward in Committee of Supply by members who wish to make an appearance and to stand well before their constituents; but as there is no chance of monies being forthcoming to meet these votes, even if carried, they might quickly be dealt with. The Government is committed foolishly enough to bring down all their predecessors’ proposa’s, including “justice to Southland,” in a supplementary budget, Mr Reid will not go home heart-broken, even should such be refused by the Committee, There is no reason why the session should not close this week, and such a course would meet with the general approval of members.