THE POLITICAL QUESTION.

Evening Star, Issue 3965, 9 November 1875, Page 3

THE POLITICAL QUESTION.

To the Editor. Slß,—lt i* an unu-ual circumstance the agreement of the Dunedin daily papers upon a clecid dlyone-s ; ded political question, viz , abolition. I am quite sure that yon, sir, in common with every hi>:h-mindcit journalist, will respect the conscientious opinions of the many who regard Provincialism as a necessity in the circumstances of the Colony of New Zealand. We all have one a : m—tho truth, or, in other words, the attainment of the greatest good. You and I think differently : let us discuss the question dispassionately as honest men. No more is a writer justified in applying personalities than he would be in strikiig a blow for the sole reason tht.t his opponent does not think as he thinks. There is too much of this in political warfare. To my mind there is neither the di«npy nor the nobility of manhood about it Why should men fly at one another because they differ in opiijon ? Allow me to say, in plain terms, th;it the people cannr.t, in thenown interest, consent to the sacrifice of loe.l government. 'I he functions of a General Government are not to be exercised iu taking from the people the very means they possess, and the resources from which they are enabled to contribute towards the Governmental expenditure of ;he Colony. To take away the local control of the land fund, and to place the whole under one common government, is about as practical and s beneficial as to enact a law for closing the different banks, and requiring every man to open ;<n account with a general bank, and that, too, with the mnnager's parlor at Wellington. No doubt even this arrangement would find its advocates, and it would be beneficial to some; huh not to the people as a people. Each merchant manages h.3 own banking account far better, and w th more satisfaction,! think, than would be fount in auy general measure for controller g the reetipts and experditure of business men throughout New Zealand. By parity of reasoning I maintain that the land fund arising out of each Province could he more advantageously managed by the local government than by a General Government. The laws fov the well-being of society are one thing ; and this appertains to a General Government. The regulation of the means—-the land fundpossessed by th- people in each Province is altogether a, speciality ot local government. This I take it is the one great question to decide. As to Provincial Govermncn'shaving failed to bring about all that Could be desired, that is no argum -nt for »• weeping t hem away. The people have only to bring about such modifications of the Provincial Governments as would place things on a better footing ; but let them not be carried away by Ihe policy of "cutting off the nose to be revenged on the face." To "speak well of the bridge that carries one over safe" we must say that Otago owes very much to Provincialism—in fact, so much in the matter of :.rosp3rir.y thab the dissatisfied want more than their share ; hence the source of looal dissatisfaction. Is it fcafe to part with Provincial Government ami the land fund ? Is it safe to sign a blai.k cheque ? Is it not the pact of wisdom to let well alone?—l am, &c, Caution. Dunedin, ovemher 4.