The Globe. SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 1878.

Globe, Volume IX, Issue 1234, 16 February 1878, Page 2

The Globe. SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 1878.

The culpable inactivity of the Colonial Government in the matter of defence must he exceedingly annoying to all true colonists. In the present state of affairs in Europe it is simply disgraceful, that we in Now Zealand, should quietly watch the progress of events, and raise no hand whatever to help ourselves. The Lyttelton Harbor Board has, it is true, brought the question of the defence of Lyttelton before tho Ministry, but wo have no faith whatever in the inclination of the Government to do anything. The Premier is about to start on another starring trip, this time to the West Coast. After this he, together with some more of his hardworked colleagues, proceed to the Sounds to enjoy themselves there. When this trip is over, and when tho Hinemoa has returned from tho important duty of convey, ing Ministers from place to place on electioneering and pleasure tours, she may be available for the good of the colony. By that time, in all probability, it will be too late. Should war unfortunately bo declared, not only will our commerce suffer indirectly from such a state of things—our harbours will bo entirely open to the visit of the smallest armed vessel. Should such bo the case, wo will have to thank the Premier for it. In spite of his boasted friendship for the people, ho lays himself open to the charge of preferring his own self-glorifi-cation to tho good of tho colony. Ho refused the use of tho Hinomoa on an important public service, and employed it to further his own political ends. The conduct of tho Democratic Ministry of Victoria is in striking contrast to that of the New Zealand Government. Notwithstanding the comparative state of defence in which Port Phillip is at the present time, every effort is being made to make the colony still more secure. We, on the other hand, leave our ports absolutely defenceless, when the expenditure of a few thousands in each of the principal harbours would he sufficient to provide against anything short of an armed invasion.

A section of the people of Wellington, with a keen appreciation of the advantages of supporting the powers that be, are at their wits end to secure a candidate to represent them on the Grey ticket. The Grey demonstration was well got up, and is deserving of better success than that with which it has met. The Wellington correspondent of the Lyttelton Times states that ho carried his hearers completely with him. But “ unfortunately through bad management all the effect has been lost.” Next morning a meeting of Sir G. Grey's] supporters, wo are told, was held, to name a candidate, and their choice has fallen upon Mr. Hutchison. The selection appears to be an unfortunate one, but was, we presume, the best that could bo made. Mr. Hutchinson evidently is not particular about his principles. Only a few months ago he was a warm supporter of the late Government, and his sudden change of front is not likely to procure him the support of those electors who have some slight regard for policical honesty. The state of things, however, does not reflect much credit on the character of tho Grey party in Wellington. Surely, out of thb 2500 who gave the Premier such a warm reception on Thursday evening, might be found one who could command the respect of the electors. By the way, the statement of the Times correspondent is an amusing admission of tho nature ‘of the Premier’s oratory. Through bad management all the good effect of it is lost. It is no doubt of a kind which commands the sympathy of an excited public meeting, but it will not stand the test of calm criticism, and the clear business-like address of Mr. Pearce last evening has, no doubt, further dissipated any remaining effect which Sir G. Grey’s address on Thursday evening might have left. That Wellington is not able to bring forward a man in the Grey interest, capable of making a good fight in his favour, is a significant fact. The Empire City is not generally slow in making friends of the powers that be. But, in tho present instance, tho absence of a suitable candidate is proof that the electors have but little confidence in the stability of the Government or in the good faith of the dispensers of the loaves and fishes.