The Evening Star FRIDAY, APRIL 7, 1876.

Evening Star, Issue 4092, 7 April 1876, Page 2

The Evening Star FRIDAY, APRIL 7, 1876.

It is almost impossible to conceive any conduct more ridiculous than that of Sir George Grey in regard to the finance of the Province of Auckland. Had be systematically attempted to bring Provincialism into contempt, he could not more effectually have adopted a plan, better calculated to secure the object. His folly has led to the necessity for laying bare the state of beggary in which the Province really is, the dependence in which it is placed Upon appropriations from the general revenue, and its indebtedness for advances that it will never be able to repay. It is scarcely to be wondered at that Sir Julius Vogel should feel irritated and annoyed at demands so unjust and so imperiously urged. The pity is that he tried to reason with a man who cannot reason, instead of “answering a fool according to his folly;” and allowed himself to be led igto a o#TO*]pondence th*t could haTO

no satisfactory result, as the Colony most be satisfied with the financial stand taken by the Government, and no amount of hard hitting could possibly bring Sir George to a sense of his duty. The prospects of the Opposition have not improved by the additional evidence Sir Georgs Grey has afforded the country of his political incapacity. With a vast parade of constitutional lore, he is unable to comprehend the meaning of the word “rights,” or clearly to define any of the clap-trap terms he so freely usee. With no capacity for organisation, he is equally unable to lead when bthers have arranged matters for him. When placed in front he rushes on regardless of those behind him, and seems to have no other idea than slashing right and left, quite heedless of the necessity to conciliate rather than defy opponents. His rash attacks are consequently mere annoyances, and because they are commonly based on purely imaginary grievances, capable of being clearly explained, their tendency is to strengthen his opponents and proportionately to weaken every cause he advocates. His prestige is gone. It never appears to have had any other foundation than that accidentally he held the post of Governor, and was believed to be an able politician. Had he remained at Kawau, men would have thought so still; but having, like Don Quixote, an idea that his prowess is needed to clear the world of giants, he has left his retreat only to show the little that he knows of men and things. The Opposition must feel that they must either secure an abler leader, or they cannot expect to exert that influence which it is desirable they should possess. '