THE PUBLISHED DAILY. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 1871.

Grey River Argus, Volume XI, Issue 1027, 10 November 1871, Page 2

THE PUBLISHED DAILY. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 1871.

To-day, the thoroughly disappointing news is conveyed to our readers that the Annexation Bill has been withdrawn by the Government for the present session, in consequonce of the great delay which has taken place in the dispatch of Government business, and the impossibility of getting it through both Houses this session. Such, at least, is the reason which comes to us from Wellington, and we can add nothing further to it {but an expression of regret that the hopes of the majority of the residents in the Grey District should be blasted in this manner in two successive sessions of Parliament. Our telegram says that Mr Harrison acquiesced in the withdrawal, because he could not do otherwise, except spend a day or two in a course of obstruction similar to that adopted by Mr Kynnersley and himself last year, which could not possibly result in any good. It must be remembered that this year the Annexation Bill was in a very different position from last year. Then it was a private Bill, this session it was a Government measure, introduced by the Government, and this accounts for the extraordinary manner in which it has been shifted about on the Order Paper. The Government had full control over it, and could postpone its consideration or shift it to the foot of the Paper as often as they thought proper; but still it was open for the member for the district in question to remonstrate against such a procedure. The real reason for the withdrawal will be made public when Mr Gisborne makes the promised explanation; and we have no doubt it will be found that the frequent delays which have taken -place with regard to this Bill have been caused principally by the opposition of the Superintendent of Nelson and the County Chairman of Westland and their numerous followers. Disagreeable and disappointing as the result w, the position must be accepted that for another year at least we must remain a portion of the County of Weatland, and Mr Lahinan will be left in undisputed possession of Government House during the natural term of his office. However, the public will soon be in possession of all the facts of the case, as Mr Harrison intends to return next week, when he will, no doubt, make a public explanation to his constituents.