The Globe. THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 1877.

Globe, Volume VIII, Issue 815, 1 February 1877, Page 2

The Globe. THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 1877.

There is no saying to wliat straits Abolition has driven certain people. To them Provincialism was their all, their everything. Yet, one or two stern-faced individuals still remain, upon whom the whirlwind accompanying the late constitutional changes has not had the slightest effect. It rushed by, enveloping them entirely, but they remained absolutely immoveable and found themselves unscathed by the contact with that mighty element. A well-known ex-M.P.C., whose voice often resounded deep and loud in that Council:; hall, the tessellated walls of which know him no longer, is a remarkable case in point. A devoted and blind admiration of Mr Macandrew, and of the solid and pointed arguments of the Lyttelton Times, re the illegality of the prorogation of the Assembly last session, have given the finishing touch to the stability of his political belief. With the gentleman in question —who, by the bye, is somewhat closely connected with the “ black diamond ” trade —as with the ex-Superintendent of Otago, Provincialism, dejure, exists as green and healthy as ever, but brighter in complexion, with the halo encircling it better defined, all owing to the eventful days of adversity which have temporarily overtaken the old institution, and given it, in some people’s eyes, quite a mystic appearance. Mr Macandrew, fortified by the Lyttelton Times, the latter being profusely sponged by Mr Travers, has become the text-book of the gentleman in question, in the same way as a youthful aspirant to the wearing of the wig and gown, looks on “ Ooke-upon-Lyt-telton ” as the guiding star that will ultimately land him on the woolsack. Abolition being a gross illegality erc/o Provincialism exists. So reasons the ex-representation of an up-couutry constituency. Looking around for a substantial mode of upholding the rights of what he certainly does not consider a defunct institution, a happy thought struck him. Here was a Paiiway free-pass, issued by a noble and patriotic “ band ( f brothers ” for tho especial use and gratification of their noble selves. What belter means could be devised towards asserting the existence of Provincial sway than that little bit of paste-hotrd bearing the glorious words “To be used until cancelled ? ” So once more it was brought out to use, and, when an unlucky guard examining passengers’ tickets, happened to dispute the Phoonix-like properties of the free-pass in question, the ready exclamation met him—in those tunes so remarked in days gone by!—-“ Don’t you see the words ‘ To be used until cancelled ? and 1 defy you to prove that cancelled it has been!’” The guati’d of course was vanquished; his logi=e gave way, and he beat a hasty retreat. Since, the ex-member for the constituency referred to, freely utilises the iron-horae, and has become a kind of lightning-speed protest that Provincialism is yet in full force and vigour.