THE Grey River Argus PUBLISHED DAILY MONDAY, APRIL 27, 1874.

Grey River Argus, Volume XIV, Issue 1786, 27 April 1874, Page 2

THE Grey River Argus PUBLISHED DAILY MONDAY, APRIL 27, 1874.

There is every symptom that for the first time in the history of Constitutional Government in. New Zealand, Parliament will be dissolved before the period of its ordinary duration has expired. It is somewhat singular that amidst all the party struggles—some of a personal rather than a political character, and others involving large principles— that have ocourred since representative institutions were given "to the Colony, Parliament has always run its allotted time — five years. The nearest approach to a dissolution, otherwise than by effluxion of time, was when Mr Stafford, after holding office for a month, and being defeated on a direct motion of no confidence moved by Mr Yogel, endeavored to induce Sir George Bowen to grant him a dissolution, which request was, however, refused. It appears to be probable, however, that although there, is almost a dead calm in politics, and no Opposition worthy of the name ; and whilst the Colony is simply watching the development of the great policy initiated by Mr Yogel, the approaching session of the General Assembly will be the last of the present Parliament. The probabilities are not far to seek. First, rm have the more than hint which Mr Yogel uttered at Nelson, when he delivered^Kiraself of the rather startling doctrine that constituencies should return men pledged *to support "men and not measures." In his speech on that occasion, the Premier stated that it was highly probable that a general election would follow the . next session of the Assembly, although he did not venture to give any reasons for this opinion. Then again we have the evidently studious desire of the Premier to lay up a store of political capital during the recess by his progresses and banquet speeches ; add to this the possibility of the argument that it is a good time to dissolve whilst the opponents of the Government are disorganised and disunited, and the idea that it will be a favorable opportunity for the Government to go to the country next year appears to be feasible enough. But should the Government dissolve they must have something to dissolve upon — some great question or questions. For it is hardly possible that the argument of "men, not measures" will either suffice the Governor in granting a dissolution, or afford any guide, to the constituencies at the general election. We I have already had a hint of at least one of the probable questions which would afford justifiable grounds for a dissolution. A change either in the incidence of taxation, or fresh taxation to supplement the revenue, has been shadowed forth, and it is more than probable that the Premier will submit to the Legislature next session a measure of such a radical character as to effect a great change in our whole fiscal system, and one which although presented to Parliament for its decision may probably by mutual consent be referred to the constituencies for their opinion. The new tariff, intended, honestly no doubt to regulate the inequalities of the burden of taxation, has, however, largely added to that taxation, and it is hardly possible that in the face of the mere liberal policy of New South Wales, either New Zealand or Victoria can maintain the ad valorem system much longer. Mr Yogel has great hopes of securing to New Zealand the Polynesian trade ; but thiß he cannot do so long as the present tariff lasts. And it is probable that any attempt to maintain it longer than necessary would meet with but scant favor from the I/egis.

laoure. It has long bet>n recognised as a truth that property and wealth dp not contribute their fair quota to the taxation of the country, 4 arid no manipulation of the schedules to-the Tariff A N ct can^moVe the vast discrepancy in the contributions of the rich and those of the working classes to the colonial revenue. It is high time that the large landed-proprietors and other wealthy people should bear their, fair Bhare of the burden's entailed by an expenditure which is every day enriching them, but towards which they contribute so little. If Mr Yogel introduce a proposal to tax landed property, and incomes within a reasonable limit, with the view of lightening the burdens upon articles of general consumption — that is to say, of substituting direct instead of indirect taxation — he will receive the sympathy and support of the country, and may fairly challenge his opponents to a trial by the constituencies. But if the proposal is to be simply a new mode of obtaining additional revenue without any corresponding relief in the tariff his cause would undoubtedly be weakened. We are of opinion, however, that the Premier will not commit such a mistake, but that he will address himself loyally to the work of reducing the burdens of the working classes and placing a fair weight upon the shoulders of those best able to bear it, and who have the most benefited by the public works and immigration policy and it's concomitant large expenditure of borrowed money. Another possible question is that of a reform of the constitution of the Upper House— although it is not a little singular that since his celebrated speech upon this Bubject last session Mr Yogel has been perfectly silent upon it. It will be remembered that the Premier invited the members of the Assembly, when they returned to their constituencies to obtain from them a definite expression of opinion a3 to the 'necessity of changing the constitution of the Legislative Council, but strange to say, neither himself, nor, bo far as we remember, a single member of Parliament has said anything about it since. Probably Mr Yogel is watching the development of events in the neighboring Colonies ; at any rate, we deem it highly probable that he will submit some measure of reform next session with regard to which the verdict of the constituencea will be considered advisable. Nor is it improbable that some measure for dealing with the Waste Lands of the Coldny more jro6tably for the State will be/broiight forward, and any steps for making the acquisition of land more easy for bonafide settlement, and restricting its wholesale alienation to large monopolists would be heartily supported, by the tountry. For these and other reasons we think that it is most probable that the constituencies will be called upon agaiu before the present year is out.