The Globe. SATURDAY, OCTOBER 9, 1875.

Globe, Volume IV, Issue 414, 9 October 1875, Page 2

The Globe. SATURDAY, OCTOBER 9, 1875.

Sin John Richardson has announced that he will, on some future occasion, move for the introduction of a clause into the Abolition Bill—" That there " shall be two Provinces created, " which shall be called the Provinces " of Munster and Ulster, and which " shall be separated by Cook's Straits." In other words that the present provinces having been swept away by the Abolition Bill which has just been passed, new ones shall be created. We are not informed as to what Sir John means in this case by the word " pro- " vinces." He can hardly expect, even if the two Islands are to be known in future as the Provinces of Munster and Ulster, that provincial institutions in the shape of Superintendents and Provincial Councils will be allowed by the Legislature. That body has distinctly expressed its opinion that provincialism must cease, and it is not likely that it will allow Sir John to have his way in this matter. The old separationist party were very anxious that the North and Middle Islands should be under different governments, and we presume Sir John is of this opinion, and that he thinks it would be a good thing if we had a separate Legislature for this island. But how would such a proposition as this suit the views of the North Island provincialists. There would be no chance for them to obtain money from the Treasury of the wealthy Middle Island, and they would therefore probably oppose Sir John's motion. " Insular separation and a federal form " of Government" sounds well enough, but Sir John must bring forward some specific plan for the carrying out of his scheme, and, even when such a scheme is passed, it has got to be assented to. Numerous members of both houses seem inclined to try their hands at doctoriug the constitution of New Zealand, and each has his particular cure for the evils of the system which is now so shortly to pass away. The majority of the public are content with the treatment of the present Miuistry, and are ready to take the dose prepared for them. They will have an opportunity of declaring their opinions at the forthcoming general election, and if Sir J. Richardson has a welldigested plan for the establishment oi " insular separation and a federal form " of Government " he will be listened to with the respect that is due to his position and past services. That he will be able to carry his ideas through the two Houses of Parliament we do not believe. The Government which has carried the Abolition Bill is strong

enough to carry out the intentions of the Bill to the bitter end, and that they will do so is certain. Any attempt to revive provincialism will be opposed tooth and nail, and the majority in the House of Kepresentatives will follow the leaders of the Government.