THE GLOBE. MONDAY, AUGUST 25, 1879.

Globe, Volume XXI, Issue 1720, 25 August 1879, Page 2

THE GLOBE. MONDAY, AUGUST 25, 1879.

It is really astonishing how people at times, and especially during political convulsions, allow themselves to ho gulled. Look, for instance, at this newly created body, composed of honest and well-mean-ing men who, under the banner of that unselfish and intense patriot, Dr. Turnbull, are careering boisterously along the political war path. The name of this new body is, as the meanest larrikin knows, “ The Canterbury Liberal Reform Association.” Its “ platform ” is to sup. port during the present contest none of the so-called Liberals “who voted against Sir George Grey during the No-confidence vote.” Bach of the hundred and odd members of this “Canterbury” Reform Association is pledged to that effect, even its President, who, it may bo recollected, absolutely buried Sir George Grey beneath an avalanche of the most frantic abuse when the Premier addressed the budding Greyism of Christchurch some few months ago. No wonder that ill-intentioned people should whisper cruel doubts of Dr. Turnbull’s sanity—in a political sonso of course. * But then, how extended and varied has been for years the political platform of the “Liberal” Association’s President. Ono thing, however, surprises us a good deal. "W ith his wellworn experience of things both in the moral and social world, Dr. Turnbull must have all along been aware that the cast-iron articles of faith inscribed upon, the. Liberal standard, which the Liberal Reform Association expects him to guard with the last drop of his blood, are making that intelligent body the laughingstock of all people not gifted with an easy facility of being led. The Association goes in at a white heat for measures and not for men, and yet the element of Groyism pure and simple is their rallying cry! Of course no man with the smallest sense of what is duo to himself as a unit of Now Zealand nationality, and what is duo to the future of the country of his adoption, could bind himself to the watchword of an association so “ illiberally” constituted. There are Liberal Associations springing up everywhere; in Auckland, in Welllington, in Dunedin, and elsewhere; but none have committed the egregious blunder of displaying such a fanatic partisanship as to pledge themselves to ono man, and to one man only. In those other associations the element of Groyism is not oven introduced. Another peculiar feature of our “ Canterbury Liberal” Association is the mysterious twilight which hangs over all its ill-matured proceedings. Dr. Turnbull and his hundred Liberal followers are boring in the darkness like moles. They hold meetings -with closed doors. No reporters are admitted, and the public is carefully precluded from any moans of learning what the nature of the Association’s proceedings may bo. Yet, on the very face of its name, the Association should bo a public one. Elsewhere, on the contrary, the greatest possible publicity is given to

the doings and sayings of similar associations. Their electoral programmes appeared in print as soon as they were constructed, and men who held various shades of opinion upon miner questions gladly swelled the ranks of those assotions.

Perhaps, however, it is owing to the unusual manner in. which our Christchurch “ Liberal ” Association was first started, and the peculiar fostering that it has received while so carefully kept in hand since its birth, that its proceedings have come to differ so strangely from those of bodies of an organisation supposed to bo of a similar character. And hero wo repeat it—it is simply wonderful how some people will at times let themselves ho gulled while their eyes are wide open. Mr William Reeves, the proprietor of the “ Lyttelton Times,” it was who, to meet the critical exigencies of the moment, when good things were floating in tho turmoil caused by a parliamentary dissolution, conceived the idea ef liberally reforming men and things. To that gentleman credit must bo given for the dry-nursing of those vigorous elements of ultra radicalism which so vividly distinguish our Christchurch Association from all others. Out-and-out Greyism ho cleverly inspired, but as carefully clothed it with tho term of Liberalism—a now word hastily invented by the men who, driven into a corner by public opinion, found themselves compelled to invent some now popular cry. And then the “Lyttelton Times” wont to work with “all the strength of tho company.” Silently and cautiously did they “ work tho oracle.” And tho views of him who, notwithstanding his “wretched past” in tho land-sharking arena, now possesses tho privilege of claiming the name of Father of tho Association, are being carried out—or at least are being attempted to he carried out. One of Mr. Reeves’ employes is the Association’s Yice-Presidont and high-toned mouthpiece; another is its indefatigable secretary. And all goes on right merrily. Strings are pulled —in tho dark of course—tho fiddles tweak, tho puppets dance, and tho broad smile that betokens tho unreflecting mind plays over the face of a section of the public. Tho ‘-Liberal Reform Association” have enormous interests at stake in trying to secure that which they are seeking. There is no doubt about that. But the nature of thoso interests they do not clearly see. Other people have interests quite as large —if of a more personal nature, and totally disconnootod from patriotic questions. That charming little game once played by the monkey and tho cat, in which one of tho two got tho roasted chestnuts, while the other did’nt, will, we fear, bo con•tinued until the end of time. Those who get singed never find out tho trick until the stakes have long disappeared.

S<* Sir George Grey is really the true friend of the people. His speech, at the Odd Fellows’ Hall last Saturday proves it most abundantly. As to the Waimato Plains, why 100,000 acres of land are to be carved out between tbo poor, tho small farmer, and tbo unemployed. Tbo sizo of the areas will bo fixed in a way stieb as to moot the views of all persons, whether they be great or small. Cottages ornes, with Venetian blinds, fountains, and plaster castes, will miraculously cover the new Arcadia. Energetic young Samsons will i-aiao amilingr homesteads by the hundred, while tbo immigrants per Stad Haarlem and other vessels will presumably fill the vacancies caused by the transference of these young heroes to fresh fields and pastures new. But more good things are also in store for tbo Christchurch constituency. If Sir George is returned, it is, wo understand, his intention to give a trip—quite gratis and in tho freest and easiest of styles—to his supporters. The Government yatch “Hinemoa” will ho specially fitted out'for tho purpose of conveying his friends and admirers to tho island of Kawau, tho beauties of which spot Sir George described so pleasantly on Saturday. Refreshments will be provided, and the tourists will ho permitted to carry away with them any seeds that may bo procurable at this time of the year. Any voter really in want of a pleasant trip and a change of air should certainly regulate his platform accordingly.