The Feilding Star. SATURDAY SEPT. 18, 1884. The Government

Feilding Star, Volume VI, Issue 39, 13 September 1884, Page 2

The Feilding Star. SATURDAY SEPT. 18, 1884. The Government

Although we are not warm supporters of the present Government, yet we must congratulate its members on the non-committal policy they are following. They appear determined to administer affairs in accordance with the actual amount ef knowledge they have been able to acquire during the brief term which has elapsed since their Ministry was formed, as to the condition of the finances as left by their predecessors. It must be admitted, by even the most wrong-headed politician, that it is practically impossible for a Colonial Treasurer to assume office and at once make a financial statement which he will, in the first instance, really comprehend himself and be — partially — able to explain to the House, and afterwards defend from the attacks of the Opposition. Time is absolutely necessary to do this. The Premier has promised to deliver the Financial Statement on Tuesday evening next. On this it is anticipated there will be a most animated debate, and on the soundness or attractiveness of the proposals then made will the fate of the Ministry depend. In the meantime Ministers find it absolutely necessary to be careful of their promises and guarded in their replies, for fear of estranging their friends or of giving an opening to their opponents. Composed, as the Government party now is, of a number of small parties, without that cohesion which is given by loyalty, or even by a community of interests, its leaders are compelled — being resolved to keep their seats on the Treasury Benches — to alter their principles occasionally, or pocket them, when such might be unsuited to the sentiments of a section of their, followers. We cannot blame Ministers altogether for this, but would perhaps excuse them on the grounds that the narrowmindedness of certain small leaders, and their several followings, should make such a doubtful course necessary. There is one thing very clear — that notwithstanding whatever may happen in the way of sudden rises and falls of Ministries, or even of a dead lock, members have fully made up their minds to accept anything rather than a dissolution. With this rod held in terrorism over them they may be cowed into a half submission to a resolute Ministry.