The Globe. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 1877.

Globe, Volume VIII, Issue 1051, 9 November 1877, Page 2

The Globe. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 1877.

The tone adopted by the Lyttelton Times with reference to the Grey Ministry must be astonishing to those who are unacquainted with the principles by which his conduct is guided, but easily understood by those who have observed his career during the last few years. When Sir George first announced his Cabinet, and when his prospects of success were far from brilliant, our contemporary was most guarded in his utterances. He could not, he said, as at that time advised, regard the composition of the new Ministry with unqualified approval. This is what he had to say then : The extreme views propounded by George Grey when in opposition, his pledged support of the disunion of the colony, and the general appropriation of the land fund, nis exaggerated language, his love of paradox, vis inordinate proclivity to controversial vriting on theoretical questions, and his poll real unreliability, are not calculated to irispin general public confidence. Moreover, it i very doubtful whether his physical slrcngtb is adequate to the work of a We ■dll not now criticise each individual Minister, but we cannot say that we recogiue. m them undoubted elements of much strength. At the same time, wo think it only ight to reserve our definite opinion till w* vave considered their general policy andthej icasures. They may justly claim a fan rial. . His colleagues received very simuaj reatment. “ Sir George Grey,” w> ire told, “became Premier by surprise, and the colleagues whom be has

taken unto himself have not added to his strength.” But as time wore on, and as the strength of the Ministerial party increased, so did the confidence of our hitherto hesitating contemporary. It is not because the policy of the Government meets with the approval of the Lyttelton Times that he now gives him his support, for he admits this morning that such has not yet been declared —It is because Sir G. Grey displays “ a pre-eminent aptitude for tactics, and a superior skill in party warfare.” A few days ago the Times condemned Sir G-. Grey on account of his “ political unreliability;” now he is recommended to the support of the country because he is a master in the art of “ party warfare.” If he would only follow up this with “a Financial Statement, and perhaps also with an announcement of policy,” the country, we are assured, would give him its unreserved confidence. Our contemporary is not at all particular as to the contents of the Financial Statement, or the nature of the policy announced. Both may be wild and visionary in the extreme: that does not matter to him. All that he wants is to have a Ministry in power “ who display a pre-eminent aptitude for tactics, and a superior skill in party warfare,” and who will also produce a financial statement of some kind, and announce a policy of some sort. In order to satisfy our readers that we are fairly representing the opinions of the Lyttelton Times on this point we quote the following passage from today’s article: — The Government of Sir George Grey has gained a great advantage. Its victory was not one of numbers ; but of its great moral force there can be no doubt. In the present chaotic state of parties, the leaders who display a pre-eminent aptitude for tactics and a superior skill in party warfare, must command support. But the mere display of these qualities is not enough. To follow up the victory there must be a Financial Statement, and perhaps also an announcement of policy. Such a course is the only thing which the country requires from Ministers, before giving them its unreserved confidence. As Ministers have themselves encouraged this feeling, they should do all in their power to justify it. Our contemporary must be strongly imbued with a sense of the “ infantile simplicity” of the public if he thinks that they will give (Sir G-. Grey their “ unreserved confidence,” merely because he has succeeded in a defeat by a skilful catch vote. This, the making of a financial statement and the announcement of a policy no matter what they are, will apparently satisfy the Lyttelton Times , but the public will probably wait till the promised statements are made before making up their minds to give the Ministry their unreserved confidence.

“ What has become of Mr. Clark and the new Drainage scheme?” Such isthe question one hears several times a day. The summer, with its hot, diseaseproducing weather, is close upon us, and yet no answer can be given to the above query. We have alluded to this subject in former articles, but it is one of such grave importance that it cannot be too often brought prominently before the public. Should the epidemics of former years be repeated, it must be remembered that their direful effects would be far more felt. The city has largely increased, and many parts of it which were some time ago open spaces are now covered with dwellings. The risk of contagion is therefore very largely increased. But with this increased risk has come no improvement in our drainage. That is, we mean no adequate improvement, considering the addition to our population. It is true that in the city we have made concrete channels, and otherwise provided for the disposal of some of the sewage. But this is not sufficient. Admirable as concrete side channels are, unfortunately that is not all we want. Besides, there is another thing to be recollected. These side channels serve the town only. Around us we have suburbs, also growing in importance and population. If the city be provided with the best means of draining, and the suburbs neglected, of what use is it ? Disease will not look upon the Town belt as a barrier, and stay outside of it. Therefore until some general system, which shall embrace both city and suburbs, is carried out, there is risk each summer of many families being decimated by disease. Delays are dangerous, and every day lost .now increases the risk. If Mr. Clark’s engagements are such as to prevent his coming here within a reasonable time, ;et the Board seek other advice.