THE Hawke's Bay Times. NAPIER, MONDAY, 13th FEBRUARY, 1865.

Hawke's Bay Times, Volume V, Issue 226, 13 February 1865, Page 2

THE Hawke's Bay Times. NAPIER, MONDAY, 13th FEBRUARY, 1865.

A Sep a 1 tion League has recently been organised at Dunedin, for the purpose of effecting the dismemberment of the Golony. A Northern association has likewise been for some time organised in Auckland with the same object in view. " With the exception of the two provinces named, the whole colony seems to regard the project with the utmost possible disfavor, so much so, that we have hitherto felt the proceedings of the party to to little more than contemptible. But we now perceive that it is high time to take what steps we may as a province to avert such a calamity to the colony as its dismemberment would he.

About two years ago such an organisation was'formed in Otago, which was then, owing to her goldfields, in the Height of a fictitious prosperity, and aimed at the position of Southern capital. This association some few months since ceased to exist, leaving little beside a debt to mark its memory ; and shortly afterwards, an agitation was commenced in Auckland (consequent on its loss of the position of seat of government and a false fear of injury from Southern domination) for its erection into a separate colony. Inis idea, however, soon seems to have been abandoned as hopeless, and it was supposed that by extending their aim to the separation of the provinces of the Northern island from those of the Southern, they would not only secure the co-operation of the old Otago separation par v, but also give something of plausibility to the appearance of the scheme.

We have on a former occasion referred to this matter, and there showed that the people of Taranaki regretted the existence of a party which professed to attempt so unwise a work as that in question, but at the same time did not see reason to fear anything from its la «>:■*. At that time we agreed with the views taken there, but have since seen reason somewhat to modify our conclusions, as we have it from good authority that the Governor is favorably disposed towards it. Further* there seems to have existence an inclination the part of the authorities at home to confer on the Governor extensive powers incompatible with the free constitution of the colony, and even, if necessary, to suspend the constitution, in order to do this. Up to this time it appears that a deference to the supposed will of the colonists have prevented them from this course ; but if they find that a large and influential body, both North and South, actually wish the political separation of the island in order that it may be done, one obstacle in their path will bs removed.

■ But Auckland is not the Northern Island ; neither is the Middle Island comprised within the boundaries of Otago. There are other Provinces whose people have as good a right to he heard on the question as they have; still, unless these others make it known plainly and unmistakeably that they are averse to the project, at home, where great ignosance prevails regarding New Zealand affairs, the North and; the South will come to be regarded as all the Colony.

On this subject, the Southern Cross says : “ The interests of the Province of the Middle Island are not identical. As in the North Island, so in the Middle; Canterbury, Nelson, and Wellington are quite satisfied; they have arranged to make matters easy for themselves and their friends of Hawke’s Bay and Marlborough. The population of Otago have become aware of their danger, and are putting on their armour to resist the encroachment of the pastoral party. We sympathise and will cordially co-operate with that Province in securing the complete fiscal and political separation of the two islands.” A violent tirade against Taranaki follows, for being so ungrateful as to oppose the movement of the Provinces that have saved her from annihilation; and adds—“Hawke’s Bay has not yet spoken as a Pro’.ince, but we expect from her a very different tone from that taken up by Taranaki.” (This, after we have been made so comfortable (?) by Wellington and Co.) Wanganui, it is sure of, and then “with Wanganui separated from Wellington, and of one maid with Auckland in regard to the erection of the North Island into an inde-

pendent Colouy, tko poorer but more pretentious Section of the old Province of Wellington must follow suit, and we loill have no difficulty in achieving onr object So that Wangauui is to turn the scale; but still even if she should prove restive, arid not willing to draw with them, “ Auckland and Otago, by sheer weight, if by nothing else, will break the colony in two, and become respectively the capitals of two prosperous colonies, free from the intolerable tyranny of a scheming and repudiating minority, who have managed to monopolise one-third of the public lauds of New Zealand.”

Our readers will readily perceive that the whole article is pure bumkum, but it serves to show tire animus of the Separati m parly - They are in doubt about us, and wish we would speak out as a Province, and though they know we have things as they are pretty Gdsy ? expect out co-operation. Well, we have now the opportunity of speaking, and we will satisfy them that in common with all the Colony, except a section, of violent agitators at the North and South, we regard the pioject for the separation or dismemberment of the Colony as fraught with evil consequences ; neither do we all feel inclined to give up our constitutional rights and priviliges, attained only after hard fighting for, into the hands of a Dictator, and one indeed who has long since lost our respect and confidence through his temporising, vacillating, and cringing policy and conduct towards rebels, who ought and might have been by an opposite course long since reduced to a state of subjection.

By advertisement in another column, our readers will perceive that his Honor has called a meeting of the inhabitants of this Province for to-morrow evening, in order that expression may be given to the public feeling on the question. We trust that a large attendance will be given in response to the call, and that the opinion of this province will be plainly given. If this be done, not only here, but in the. other central provinces, there can be no fear for the result.