The Hawke's Bay Times. NAPIER, FRIDAY, 2ND JUNE, 1865.

Hawke's Bay Times, Volume 5, Issue 273, 2 June 1865, Page 2

The Hawke's Bay Times. NAPIER, FRIDAY, 2ND JUNE, 1865.

“Gradually.” This is the approved word, made use of by Mr Cardwell and other authorities with reference to the withdrawal of the Imperial troops from the colony. And perhaps it may be said that, in any case it must be so, as the Colonial Government are not prepared for a sudden withdrawal and the immediate assumption of all the responsibilities ami duties consequent thereon. Perhaps not; but it is quite as well to un. derstand what is meant by the words “ gradual withdrawal,” and to know whether this, like the kindred boon of responsibility, is a mere mockery or not. We observe first, then, that but little is said on the snbject of handing over the control of native questions, more especially of the war, to the Colonial Government. This, however, is quite certain, that that control will be retained in the hands of the Imperial Government, as long as any of the Imperial troops are retained in the Colony. It is likewise certain that there exists no intention of any speedy removal of them all, and therefore die immediate '.e-ult to the colony wHI be increased expense from the raising and maintaining of colonial forces, but, we fear, no more, power over the conduct of affairs than it has at, present. Further, it is to he much feaied that advantage will be-taken of this state of affairs by the Home Government, who will endeavor to retain, say, one regiment in the colony as a ground for being able to refuse to the Colonial Government the very end for which the Imperial aid is sacrificed, for we may rest assured that though it has been ahmr dantly proved that it is beyond their power to efficiently direct our afiairs, they will not be prepared to relinquish the power to do so without a struggle. Further, whatsoever troops are retained in the colony are to be paid for at an in creased rate, not, however, named, but Mr Cardwell says it is in our power to reduce this expense by dispensing with the troops, and it seems that this can be done on the recommendation of the Colonial Ministry. This brings us to the important question. How will the late despatcheshe received by the General Assembly ? Will the representatives of the people be content that the colony shall submilMo bear additional burthens of taxation and still be deprived of all power to bring our troubles to an end by the unflinching exercise of a wise and determined policy ? We think not. A correspondent inquires “ when will the Assembly be called togethor. We think if ever there was a time when it was needed that it should be called, that time is uow. The policy of the ministry has been heard at home, and we know that it is as a whole approved of, but we do not know how long this may be the case. The removal of even one regiment is by no means certain, being left as it is entirely in. the hands of Governor and General, and it is at least questionable whether or not the news received from New Zealand hy the very next mail will, by conveying later tidings, tend to modify very materially the ideas held by leading men concerning the advisability of reducing the ImForces at ail, We say that the As-

sembly should meet at once, should act upm the suggestion of Mr Cardwell, and make some definite resolution respecting the disp easing with the troops, in a certain specified time and commence the business of raising its own forces, lest this last concession to us of independence, be found to he as the former one of responsibility was, a mockery, a delusion, and a snare.