The Globe. MONDAY, OCTOBER 2, 1876.

Globe, Volume VII, Issue 713, 2 October 1876, Page 2

The Globe. MONDAY, OCTOBER 2, 1876.

Failing in his endeavours consistentlycarried on throughout the present session to obstruct the business of Parliament, Sir George Grey has struck out a new line, though tending to the same end. After the many delays and the protraction of the session, without any real results, it was hoped that our representatives would settle down to the real question before them. That was the substitution for the Provincial system of a workable scheme of Government, Now, however, we find Sir George Grey, nearly at the close of the session, introducing a measure for triennial parliaments. It will at once be seen without discussing the merits or demerits of this question, that the present is decidedly an inopportune time for bringing it before the House. It is a subject of very large importance upon which considerable debate is sure to arise, and which requires great thought and consideration. This could hardly be given to it at this period of the session. The majority of the members are anxiously looking forward to returning to their homes and their own business. Months have been spent in debates, which practically, so far as the decision of the grave subjects of importance agitating the public mind have been barren of results. But, apart from this, it’ seems to us that the introduction of a measure of this character now is beginning at the wrong end. At present we have not decided upon the system of government which is to take effect at the close of the session. The Counties Bill, it is true, is going through the House, but nothing definite is yet settled. The discussion of such a subject as triennial parliaments can very well afford to wait until next session. The people will have an opportunity of expressing their opinions upon the point when their representatives come before them to give an account of their doings. It will then be ample time for a measure to carry this idea into effect to be prepared, should the people pronounce in favour of it. Besides, an opportunity will be afforded to the advocates of the measure to carefully think out the subject, and our representatives would be able to go up to Wellington in a position to give their votes after due thought and consideration. As it is now, the measure is in a way flung upon the floor of the House. The matter is too important by far for such treatment as this. It deserves and should receive before being brought into the Legislature not only thought on the point

of members but also consideration by the people. By this Bill it is proposed to introduce a considerable change in the constitution of our Legislative Assembly. Therefore it is absolutely necessary that all precaution should be taken to ensure the greatest amount of consideration of its provisions. This as we have pointed out from the present position of affairs, it is almost impossible it can receive now. Under these circumstances we hope that the Assembly will refuse to legislate upon this subject, at the fag end of the session. Let our representatives seriously set to work during the short space that now remains to build up the new system of Government. They will find that they will have ample work before them to do this properly. They are' launching a new venture, and one upon which the future prosperity of the colony depends to a very great extent. It behoves them, therefore, to see that the machinery which the proposals of the Government provide for carrying it into effect, is such as is best calculated to do the work. Once let this be set properly in motion, and it will then be time to consider whether the proposed alteration will be for the better or the reverse.