THE Grey River Argus. TUESDAY, MARCH 10, 1868.

Grey River Argus, Volume V, Issue 336, 10 March 1868, Page 2

THE Grey River Argus. TUESDAY, MARCH 10, 1868.

The note of preparation for the conflict that Avill take place at the meeting of the General Assembly is being lomliy sounded. Mr Moorhouse in Canterbury, Mr Fox at Waii^anui, and Sir David Monroe and Mr Curtis at Nelson, luwe given to the world their opinions on the question of Provincialism. Some of them are in favor of abolishing the provinces, or of so modifying the powers of Provincial Councils as to leave them denuded of their prestige ; whilst others again are for maintaining provincial institutions, giving them greater consistency, and, instead of crippling their powers and increasing those of the General Government, reversing the position — narrowing the functions of the General Government and Assembly, and extending those of the provinces. Mr Fox who, during his absence in Europe, has been looked forward to as ! the leader of the provincial party, has gladdened the hearts of his adherents by pronouncing himself a staunch proviir cialist, although he has not yet indicated how he cau restore Provincial Government in its efficiency in such provinces as Auckland, Taranaki, Marlborough, and Southland. Sir David Monroe and Mr Moorhouse would either abolish provincial institutions altogether, or reduce them to the character of simple Boards 01 Muni jipal bodies. Mr Curtis proposes a distinctive plan, which is worthy of attention. In order to promote economy in the expenditure, and the reduction of taxation he would reduce the tariff to such a limit as would be sufficient to produce enough revenue to serve colonial purposes only. He would also impose a property and income tax, leaving eacL. province to fix its own rate, such tax to go towards the payment of the interest and sinking fund on its loans and the expenses of administration. He proposes to divide the colony into counties, giving to each a share of the land fund accruing within it ; and to give municipal institutions to towns, The Provincial Councils he would relieve from the duties of legislation by colonial laws on certain subjects. Mr Curtis' plan is not dissimilar from that adopted in Westland, only that he would retaiu the Provincial Council, and give it full control over the provincial revenue. Some such arrangement as this seems inevitable, for although the term Provincial Government may be retained, it will not have the significance which it has hitherto enjoyed, Mr Curtis' proposal to substitute direct for indirect taxation for provincial pui«poses is a bold oue, But it is very questionable if it could be generally applied ; — certainly it could not in Westland, or in any province that has yet a large amount of colonizing work to do. Probably in the more settled and substantial provinces a property and income tax could be levied without great difficulty, but it would be simply an impossibility in an unsettled district like Westland. Besides, the amount of revenue required to meet the necessary expenditure on public works could not be raised by direct taxation. Indeed, we question if even those who are in favor of abolishing provincial institutions would like to relinquish the share of the Customs' duties which is now enjoyed by the provinces. There is one point upon which there seems to be a tolerably unanimous opinion — that the work of the Provincial Councils, or whatever other name they may bear, should be narrowed to the

limits of a local government " p'ir et simple," and that their legislative functions should either cease or ha confined within very close bounds. The County Council of Westland when reconstituted will closejy approximate to the Provinr cial Council under Mr Curtis' plan, and we have little doubt that it will form the model of similar other bodies elsewhere. We confess we cannot see any hopp fpr the pro vin cial ists. It seems to us that events are settling the questiou in a manner that cannot be gainsayed. Provincialism is similar to a tree that ia dying clown from, the top. There may be pome strength and vitality at the base and root, but the process of decay has set in, and the trunk is routing downwards piecemeal. The lower extremities may hold out for a long time, but go they must— death is inevitable. Fox> Featherstone, and Vogpl may turn out the Stafford Ministry— that is easily done—but they will not be able to stem the natural current of events, and the na+ural tendency 3 'bl the opinions of the people. They will no doubt strike many a blow in the cause, but thpy will simply beat the air. Provincialism is on its last legs, it may be propped up fpr a while, but it cannot walk aloue.