SACKCLOTH AND ASHES.

Globe, Volume XX, Issue 1485, 19 November 1878, Page 3

SACKCLOTH AND ASHES.

The following are some portions of the Nelson “ Colonist’s” review of tho session. This was one of the journals which “ sang tho joyful Pecan clear ” for coming reform when Sir O. Grey was doing his stumping tour during last recess : A Government, that rose to power on the most lavish promises of reform that have ever been heard in this colony, has wrecked its reputation for no other discoverable reason than a desire to prolong its tenure of office. The liberal measures, advocated by the Premier on many platforms, were considered too valuable a political capital to bo expended in one year. The entire system of administration, of taxation, and above all representation, was to bo re arranged, and on the faith of this attractive prospect, mootings loudly applauded, and constituencies refused to listen to any candidate who did not pledge himself to follow the great regenerator. The balance of parlies, that existed when the last prorogation took place, was thus changed for a large ministerial majority when the House again met. The extension of tho franchise to every adult male was proclaimed to be an indisputable right, yet tho toned down Electoral Bill was so drawn that the army of new voters should not come into the field, till it was too late to summon a new House before a fresh session, and thus tho wrong described with so much pathetic eloquence by the Premier, of free men being called on to obey laws they had no share in making, and to pay taxes imposed without their consent, was to be continued another year to save the Ministry from a certain amount of danger. Public feeling was seen to bo changing so rapidly, that European voters can no longer be x’elied on for a majority when the inevitable dissolution comes. The Premier and the Native Minister have worked on the suspicious nature and the dense ignorance of the Maoris with such success, that they can count on having in that quarter the unreasoning support they desire, Tho exertions of Mr Sheehan to secure the repudiation of sales of land to private persons, have endeared him to the Native mind, and any schemers ho might favor would be safe to receive a block vote from the Maoris. Thus it came about that, while the Electoral Bill was passing through Committee, an addition was proposed and accepted by the House that would unquestionably have placed the representation of a number of districts in tho North Island as st curdy in the hands of tho Government as so many rotten boroughs in Kngland, in the old corrupt days before Earl Grey’s Eoform Bill became law. Native difficulties were boastingly declared to he settled “at last,” and yet no sign of relenting has come from Tawliiao, nor has Ecwi taken his seat in the Legislative Council. Tho great bribes have been disregarded that were offered to the Maori, who,in defiance of the Queen’s authority,calls himself a King, and persists in protecting atrocious murderers from the just punishment of their crimes. In truth, nothing more Inis been accomplished beyond what the Premier’s much abused predecessors had done towards tho settlement of disputes. The recognition of rebels, associating with outlawed felons, has boon a fruitless humilia-

tion. There might hare been less dissatisfaction with all these failures, if the policy of public works had been conducted in something approaching a colonial spirit. Time is in our favor in dealing with the natives. Constitutional changes, though for many reasons desirable, can also be deferred with far less injurious effect than the Premier would have the audiences, excited by his eloquence, believe. In the delay, it is more hi'' reputation for sincerity that suffers, than the substantial welfare of those who are naturally disappointed that, out of so much that was promised, nothing has been received. The case is very different when the distribution of our borrowed millions is in question. There was not one person outside Otago who remembered the antecedents of Mr Mucandrew without dreading the consequences of the public works of the colony being committed to his charge. It is true his colleagues boasted that local influences should no longer prevail, but he knows too well how to control votes, to listen to the claims of justice when a majority is at stake. His Railways Construction Bill was nothing less than a daring bid for the support of every member from his province. The credit of the colony was to bo at his disposal; the fortunes of the dwellers in its several parts were to be at his mercy. The northern part of this Island returns so few members that ho deemed it safe to ignore it, not condescending to make even an excuse or use a complimentary phrase. Neglect had been so long practised that he never dreamt of resistance when he fancied the purchase of support from the more populous places was accomplished. Nelson had previously borne its injuries in comparative peace, and he ■was not prepared for the outburst of indignation ; for the resolute course unanimously urged by the people ; nor for the firm front consequently presented by its representatives. The session was drawing to a close, the House was clearly impatient, and soon might have become hostile. To get rid of an imminent danger and the certainty of delay, a concession was made to dogged resistance, that had been scornfully denied to argument and fair dealing. A promise is indeed made, and a vote has been taken, but it still remains for the Minister to give practical evidence of his defeat by commencing the construction. He possibly may be sincere, but, even if ho is, there can be nothing lost by keeping vigilant watch and incessantly reminding him of the pledge so unwillingly given. More space than is at our command would be required to exhaust the catalogue of injustice done, or proposed and arrested only by the dread of expulsion from the official paradise. Scandals like the Tapanui railway contract, the Mongonui electoral roll, the concessions to the Waggon Company, and a host of others, should put the colony on its guard and forbid its representatives relaxing their watchfulness for a moment. The session has been one of broken pledges, and on the conduct of the Government during the recess will depend their fate when Parliament again assembles.