The Globe. THURSDAY, AUGUST 31, 1876.

Globe, Volume VI, Issue 686, 31 August 1876, Page 2

The Globe. THURSDAY, AUGUST 31, 1876.

Some few days back we were alarmed by flying rumours of a probable European war. Telegrams were flashed from one end of the colony to the other conveying the dire intelligence that two great nations were likely once more to meet on the battle field. Fortunately, as in many other cases, the rumour proved to be untrue. But scarcely had we recovered from the shock than our small circle was again thrown into a state of consternation by the bellicose attitude assumed by the Acclimatisation Society towards the Provincial Government. In this case it was no foreign enemy who threatened ; no ceutralist Government, but one of their own members, no less a personage than the President of the Executive. Well may the moriband Government exclaim in the words of Imperial Cteaar Et tu Brute ! We all know the warlike instincts of the worthy President; like the traditional Irishman he metaphorically trails his coat on every available occasion, eager for the profaning foot of an adversary. The opportunity occurred the other day, and straightway the martial ardour of the worthy President was aroused, and the battle cry raised. It appears that for some time past the Government have felt the necessity of providing a recreation ground for the convalescent patients of the Hospital. Accordingly they have taken in a part of the Park adjoining the Hospital for that purpose, Bat the members of the

Acclimatisation Society evidently care more for the well being of the trout than the health and enjoyment of Hospital patients. To give up a portion of the land now used by them, though for so useful a purpose, would in their opinion interfere with their patriotic and important labours. What to them is the fact that at present no space exists where the enfeebled invalid, slowly winning his way back to health may enjoy the fresh air ? To give up the contested ground would be to lose so much revenue in the shape of trout sold to stock the domains of our wealthy settlers. Hence the forces of the society are set in battle array, and under their doughty leader they sound the note of defiance. Let the Government beware, for this indeed is a serious matter. The society in the person of its secretary has borne the brunt of battle ere now, and proudly borne away the palm of victory. No matter that their cause was not a just one the fact remains that they were victors in the strife. Flushed doubtless with this success' they pant lor wider fields ; hence their defiance of the Provincial Government. But in this instance their conduct savours of ingratitude. Their funds have been largely supplemented from the public purse, and the corresponding return in works of utility have been but small. We cannot conceive therefore upon what grounds the society can base their opposition. Surely the convenience of the public is to be considered before the hatching of trout ova. That the proposed extension of the Hospital grounds is a necessity cannot be denied for one moment. All will at once agree that an establishment such as the Hospital in a growing city like this, needs a place where convalescent patients can enjoy the fresh air. Then, if this be so, what right has the society to interpose ? We quite agree that in its way pisciculture may be a very agreeable employment for gentlemen of leisure. It may have perhaps its fascinations for the members of this bellicose society. But that the indulgence in these is to be allowed to stand in the way of a needed sanitary measure, cannot for one moment be conceded. We hope, however, that an amicable settlement will be arrived at. It would be a dire misfortune if the Volunteers under Lieut.-Colonel Packe —who by the way is also a member of the society —were obliged to be called out to protect the Government Buildings from the attack of the revolutionary acclimatisers led on by a military hero. We trust that before matters come to this alarming pass, some steps will be taken to prevent it. The peaceful citizens will not be able to rest quietly after the dire threats fulminated at the late meeting, until they are assured that no bloodshed will ensue. Whatever happens—even if the worst consequences indicated above come to pass —it is to be hoped the Government will remain firm. In the battle of humanity versus trout culture, the former is bound to win the day.

It is admitted on all sides that Sir Julius Vogel has displayed an utter want of consideration of the interests of the colony in the step which he has just taken. In the middle of a session, and when grave constitutional changes are being discussed he has, for his own private ends, brought abouL a Ministerial crisis, the consequences of which to the colony may be most ruinous. A complete change of policy may be —most likely will be—the result. Major Atkinson, who has undertaken the task of leading the House, may be able to form a Government, but it is not likely to last. A correspondent of the Lyttelton Times states that no change in the personnel of the Ministry will be made, and that the appointment of an additional member will not take place till the end of the session. If such is the ease their existence is likely to be a short one, as the conduct of Ministers in this matter has alienated a great many of their own supporters. We sincerely hope the House will firmly refuse to sanction the appointment of Sir Julius Vogel as Agent-General, and mark their contempt of the whole transaction by turning Ministers from office.