THE Grey River Argus. PUBLISHED DAILY. SATURDAY, MAY 4, 1872.

Grey River Argus, Volume XII, Issue 1175, 4 May 1872, Page 2

THE Grey River Argus. PUBLISHED DAILY. SATURDAY, MAY 4, 1872.

-xt. rMis ugaM ana agooTTaeal of favor is likely to be the order of the day when the Assembly meets. By the recent Gazette the 29th of this month is fixed for the gathering, but it is not likely that it trill be so soon, and it will most probably be sometime in June. Be it what time it may, the session will be, without doubt, one. of the most lively that has taken place for some years, and the amount of free-fighting that may be expected is wonderful. We have very recently referred to the incongruous elements that are likely to combine in order to effect the destruction of the present Ministry in case of the latter propounding any further anti-provincial policy ; but, irrespective of any such unnatural amalgamation, there is every evidence that the Government will be subjected to a severe ordeal through attacks on every Bide, on nearly every subject. In olden days, within the memory of many now living, bull-baiting, prize-fighting, cock-fighting, and badgerdrawing nere recognised sports, but they have now falen into desuetude, and their heroes, when they triumph at all, now appear generally in police courts, under disadvantageous oircumstanceß, in lieu of being flattered, caressed, and made much of. Though defunct actually, the forthcoming session will reproduce the whole metaphorically, for it is tolerably certain that the Ministry will be baited, fought, and drawn out, if possible, from their official retreat. Just as the unhappy badger of old was at the service of any fast young men who might wish to try their dugs., so the Executive is liable to the onset of any Legislative terrier that may of his own accord think fit to worry them. Whether they have done right or wrong, whether they, have exerted themselves, to the utmost to serve I the best interests of the Colony or otherwise, there are many, who cannot admit that any good can come out of the Ministerial Nazareth. The subjects of attack will be various. Even if the tender toes of Provincialism are allowed to remain untrodden, which is scarcely probable, there are many other dangerous indications of heavy weather. That there are many who hoped to be in the safe haven of a fat berth, but have not reached that pleasant anchorage during the recess, it is, to say the least of it, exceedingly probable, and that slighted love noaj revenge itself on its former flame is at any rate possible. It may be that the charmer, 11 charm he never so wisely," will not lure these innocents again, and that they may, Dugald Dalgetty like, oner their swords to chiefs who are more unscrupulous in "billeting" supporters. The discontented in a community or a Legislature always form a dangerous element, and so it may prove in the present case. The chief bills' of accusation that will be brought forward/ as far as we can learn are, the deficient administration of the votes under the Public Works. Act, the San Francisco contract, unnecessary Appointments of officers, and undue extravagance in the disposal of public funds. With reference to the first hypothetical charge we need have nothing to say at present beyond what personally concerns the Coaat. , On the one hand we find that roads are undertaken between Weatport and Reef ton, between Greymouth and Reeftpn, between ; Boas and Hokitika, and in fact throughout the chief district*

in every direction, and fur the promptitude shown in this respect our best thanksare due. On the other hand, the promised coal railway jit Westport vanished into smoke or gas, and the Brunner railway seems likely to follow suit, for nothing towards its construction has yet been effected, if we except an unfinished survey., On these points there is legitimate ground for dissatisfaction, but in all other respects the Coast has reason to hope for i the stability of the Ministry. The visit I of tho Hon. the Premier was almost invaluable, as by what he saw he could better judge of the community resident here, of the resources of the various districts, and of their different requirements. When Westland subjects are in future brought forward, they will not be treated with the indifference that has hitherto characterised their discussion in the Colonial Legislature, for the value of this part of New Zealand has been practically proved to the chief of the Ministry at present, and a leading member of the House, under the most disastrous circumstances. The benefit of the Premier's trip will be found before long, and however peripatetic the members of the Executive may have been, on the Assembly meeting they will be able to render a good account as to the beneficial result of their travels. The PostmasterGeneral has done good service in his journey to Melbourne, by relieving the Colony of at least half, and possibly more, of the San Francisco mail subsidy, through Victoria joining in the contract, and what is more, solely through his exertions. It is true that this service during the last few months has not answered expectations, and, indeed, has broken down lamentably, but there is every prospect of a better era setting in. Should it not, without doubt the contract is not being fulfilled, and should be cancelled without delay. At the same time, it should be remembered that the contract provided for an efficient service ; should the contractors prove unequal to the r task they have undertaken, the blame falls on them and not on the Government with whom they have entered into the agreement. The Government cannot ensure efficiency for such services, ! and therefore are not responsible for their failure. With reference to unnecessary appointments or extravagance, it is not necessary for us to say more, than, as far as we can judge, neither has been shown ; but the Assembly alone can determine such charges. On the whole, we think, if the Provincial element be left out of the question, that, though inevitably doomed to furious onslaughts, the present administration will defeat their enemies and survive the session that is pending. Though, like all known Ministers, they are neither immaculate i nor infallible, they have bo far done com- ; parative justice to this part of New Zealand, which is a great deal more than can be said of any of their predecessors since I the West Coast has been opened.