THE Grey River Argus. PUBLISHED DAILY SATURDAY, AUGUST 7, 1875.

Grey River Argus, Volume XVI, Issue 2183, 7 August 1875, Page 2

THE Grey River Argus. PUBLISHED DAILY SATURDAY, AUGUST 7, 1875.

Having given a resume of the opinions of the supporters of the Government on the question of the day, as expressed by them at their caucus, and as reported to a Christchurch contemporary, it is well to know what was done and said at a similar meeting of the members of the Opposition. No lengthy revelation of their proceedings has been made, as in the case of the Ministerial supporters, but a correspondent of the Press telegraphs the names of those who were present, and some particulars the accuracy of which ha 3 yet to be proved. The members present at this meeting, we are told, were Messrs Brandon, J. 0.-Brown, Bunny, Curtis, Dignan, Fitzherbert, Sir George Grey, Macandrew, Montgomery, O'Rorke, Murray, Reid, Reeves, Rolleston, Swanson, Takamoana, Sheehan, Thomson, Von der Hyde, Ward, and Wood. As in the case of the Ministerial meeting, one member, we are told, simply met to part. Mr Curtis, the Superintendent of Nelson, says this correspondent, stated that the Abolition Bill suited' him, and he left the meeting, avowing his- intention to support it. It is added that "offers of appointment by the General Government to administer the affairs of their Provincial districts under the new Bills have already been indirectly made to leading members of the Provincial party, and that the Opposition say Mr Curtis has secured the position for Nelson." But, supposing he had, there would be nothing wonderful or suggestive in the circumstance, since the assumption is that in all cases the Superintendents of the Provinces would be selected a3 the temporary delegates of the Governor, and for more than temporary delegation no provision has been made, though it is equally an assumption, and an assumption which deserves Borne attention, that such appointments might simply be the beginning of nominated representatives of the Government in each of the Provincial Districts. On Mr Curtis quitting his company, the remaining members, we are informed, discussed the subject at great length, expressing their determination to oppose the Abolition Bill by every possible means this session, or till the country was appealed to on the subject; Three members — Messrs Hunter, Harrison, and White — are specifically mentioned by the correspondent from whom we quote as being "with" the Opposition, though not present at the meeting, while they calculate on at least ten of the ordinary Government supporters refusing to support the Abolition Bill beyond the second reading. Doubtless, the two local members will declare themselves in due time, though meantime it must be said that Westland constituencies have, on the surface, some reason to remark, if not to complain, that nothing definite should be heard as to their representatives' designs. It may be that they are cautious in committing themselves to the approval of measures which deserve to be well considered, and caution is always worthy of compliment when it is unassociated with indecision or fear; but, " caution of ten into danger turns," and, too closely cultivated, may have its consequences at a closely impending general election. So far as concerns the Hokitika district, expressions of public sentiment, of the character of which we are not yet informed, have been given at Stafford and Goldsborough, and on Monday evening there is to be a meeting of the inhabitants of Hokitika township, so that the local member, though none would seek, or, it they sought, would see him simply become a delegate, will be fully fortified with information as to the direction of public opinion. With this example, and since in many instances members have had opportunities of ascertaining the wishes of their constituencies, it would not be unbecomingif the residents of the Grey Valley were to express such convictions as they niay have formed from a perusal of the Bills now before the House. Appreciation of political emancipation has, even this week, and to an exceptional extent, received expression in the. district, and while the spirit is alive, the time may be suitable for' the constituency saying Whether they see in the Ministerial measures the prospect of emancipation from Provincialism, or in Provincialism a preferable form of government, or in the promises of the Opposition the hope of some system still more to be preferred.