The Evening Star SATURDAY, DECEMBER 11, 1875.

Evening Star, Issue 3993, 11 December 1875, Page 2

The Evening Star SATURDAY, DECEMBER 11, 1875.

. There is a wide difference between the plain, straightforward speech of the Minister of Public Works, the Hon. E. Richardson, and the vague generalisations of the Opposition party. He meets the questions of the day in a practical, business-like manner, 'free from clap-trap, and speaks with the authority of one who knows the real state of affairs. From the speeches of bir George Grey, our own Superintendent, and others, it is plain the Opposition have no common ground of action. The difference between the proposals that will satisfy Auckland and those that are acceptable to Otago is as great as that which separates Mr Mac an drew from the Ministry. The oddity of our political position is, that we have a Ministry who have put forward a plain, straightforward, statesmanlike course, which, if followed, will simplify legislation and secure local self-government and appropriation of local revenue to an extent never before enjoyed in New Zealand, with an Opposition, composed of men expressing ail shades of political ©pinions, without on© single sentiment in common excepting the inane cry against what they term Centralism, and professed disbelief of the very men whose well-devised policy saved New Zealand from ruin. We may not be en rapport with the

constituency of Dunedin in this matter. It is not the first, nor is it likely to be the last time we may be in the minority. Perhaps, therefore, it may be accepted as a faithful, even if mistaken warning on our part, when we say that this cry of anti-Centralism is senseless as against the proposals of the Ministry. The true meaning of Centralism is perverted j when the nonsense is repeated that Otago is to be “ governed ” from Wellington. The word i( government,” although everybody thinks he understands its meaning, like all other general terms, includes much that is not expressed. A moment’s reflection will enable every elector to comprehend this ; buc until it is pointed out, it may not strike everyone. It is sufficient in 5 the present case to point to two funcI tions of government viz., law making | and law administration. It really does not matter where laws are made, so long as they are just and applicable ;

and wo do not see any differences of condition of the people or of custom in any of the Provinces rendering exceptional legislation needful. To justify unfounded opposition, falsehood is reso-ted to ; but notwithstanding the assertions to the contrary, the Abolition Bill secures to each Province every thing that belongs to it, and all that is now needed is to provide machinery for the local administration of the laws. This really means decentralisation—not centralisation. The abstract of Mr Richardson’s speech, published in our telegraphic column yesterday, points out the means intended to be adopted. To these the attention of the electors should be directed. They should carefully consider them, and compare his rough sketch with the nonsense talked by Sir George Grey and our

local politicians. And who are the leaders of the Opposition in Dunedin 1 What ability have they shown for legis-lation-leaving administration altogether out of the question 1 The deputation to Mr Macandrew brought to the front Mr Armstrong —a worthy man and a Good Templar, a pleasant lecturer who can tell a good anecdote ; but who is much more at home in the dene tistry than in a hall of legistituref i ix ki X.iito distinguished himself in the Provincial

Council in his attempts to found a XTtopia. Hi* day-dreams of constitutionalism might enable him to pull down a government, if pbople trusted him ) but they would be very unpractical bases to build one upon. Associated with him, were Messrs Rossbotham, Poole, and Farnie, of whom the first only is known to the public as a ®ot very successful candidate for civic honors j the others, for aught we know, may be able men, hut Dunedin hears of them now as public men for the first time.- These gentlemen expressed very confident opinions to the Superintendent regarding the exercise of his political influence, which he very properly snubbed. If the Anti-Central League consists of raw politicians like these gentlemen, the public may give them credit for that class of good intentions generally consigned to be trodden under foot of demons, but will scarcely adopt their views. Why should these fledglings b* believed in preference to men who have labored for years for the public good, when the gist of their argument is merely the iMinistry plo not mean what they say? Mr Richardson, Mr Reynolds, and others have, after years of labor, through good report and evil report, achieved position and reputation. They have given proof of the soundness of their views by the success of their policy. They have experienced, and knew the obstructiveness of Provincialism to the general good, and they have explained their reasons for the course they have taken. Yet these political bantlings seek to throw discredit on their statements when they say that our land fund is secured to us a* well as our reserves, and that the General Government is desirous of reducing expenditure, and of conferring true local government upon the people. In all time when men claim superior wisdom, the cautious ask for a sign and have a right te have one from these neophytes. It is well to ask them, “ What have you done that w.e should trust you rather than those who have served us so long and so well 1” If they say “We ourselves have done nothing to inspire confidence, but we seek to retain Provincialism,” it may well be replied “ All the evils complained of by you have grown side by side with Provincialism ; it may not have caused, neither has it cured them.” What better result is likely in the future should it be continued? We are promised a better system by men who understand government, and if you can improve upon their ideas, we have no doubt they will be glad of your help ; but until you show yourselves better able to legislate than you appear to be, we prefer the useful services of an old servant to the wild and ill-directed efforts of a new one. “Better keep weel than mak’ weel.”