THE "AUSTRALASIAN" AND MR STAFFORD'S RETIREMENT.

Globe, Volume IX, Issue 1266, 9 April 1878, Page 3

THE "AUSTRALASIAN" AND MR STAFFORD'S RETIREMENT.

The resignation by Mr Stafford of his seat in the Now Zealand House of Representatives is a noticeable event. It was not, indeed, unexpected, as it has been known for some time that Mr Stafford was about to take a trip to England. Rut at the present juncture, when Hie political life of the colony is exposed to one of its severest trials, the loss from the deliberations of Parliament of a politician of the experience and ability of Mr Stafford, who-e influence has been used on the side of moderation, is a serious lossindeed. 'i here have of late been many things which have tended to make parliamentary life in N w Zealand distasteful to those who have known it in better day s and under belter conditions. During the last couple of years there has been jojL the proceedings olj Parliament a strain of

virulonce, reckless aspersions, and class prejudice that might well operate to make a selfrespecting politician, not bound by any party responsibility, desire to quit uncongenial a sphere oi' labour. This is the most dangerous effect of the rampant demagoguism which has lately been introduced into New Zealand politics. Men of respectable character are willing to tnke their fair Bhare ef the victories and defeats of political conflict.. But they shrink from a contest in which, if not defeated, they are sure to be befouled and disgusted. And hence the danger that just that class of men who can least be spared—men with a sense of self-respect, a feeling of honour, and a care for reputation—will be driven by sheer disgust to abandon the field to unscrupulous demagogues and adventurers. An experienced New Zealand politician has declared that a great change for the worse has during the present Pa liament been noticed in the tone of the debates. The stumping process so assiduously pursued by the Premier, as an appeal from Parliament to the mob, is likely to tend to a further demoralisation of of public affairs. We in this colony can better than any appreciate the disastrous effect of men of high character holding themselves aloof from public life, and leaving politics to become a gambling game at which sharpers live and thrive and honest men go to the wall. We hope a better destiny for New Zealand, while recognising that, at the present moment, it Btands in peril of a similar one.