Hawke's Bay Times. Nullius addictus jurare in verba magistri. SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 1871.

Hawke's Bay Times, Volume 18, Issue 1181, 25 November 1871, Page 2

Hawke's Bay Times. Nullius addictus jurare in verba magistri. SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 1871.

In reviewing the legislation of the past session, one of the most remarkable pf all the events that occurred appears to be the slight opposition that was offered by the free-trade section of the House to tfte introduction of the policy of protection, in the sliape of the tax on cereals and bveadstuffs. We are convinced, from the general conduct ol the Government in yielding to the opposition whenever pi'essure was brought to bear on it, that if the free traders had done their duty the point would have been conceded, and some less objectionable njethod devised to raise the amount which it is supposed this tax will yield. Not that we believe that any such pourse was necessary, as it would have been obviously better to have reduced the expenditure to the required extent than to add to the public burdens. The fact, however, was that the Ministry had to effect two purposes—they had to conciliate Southern representatives as well as to make estimates balance; and the bread tax was almost as good as promised to tbem—at least it was well enough understood at the time of its rejection in the previous session that the Government would reintroduce it and endeavor to get it passed. We directed attention to. this fact both before the session commenced and during its progress, but some of our contemporaries thought there was no reason for alarm - t and even when the Government made known its intentions th,e country tlicl not earnestly resist—there was not, jn fact, time or opportunity given for tjie purpose, and the bill was allowed to pass by the House —where resistance might have been made —without anything like tliat degree pf opposition people had a right to expect would be give]}. Had the proposal tp impose this tax been made at any earlier stage gf t!l§ session, W doubt not it would

have been, vigorously opposed, but, as we have taken occasion to show in former articles, the practice of the Government is to allow the major portion of the session to pass in the discussion of minor matters, reserving such measures as it desires to force through the House till towards the end, when members are little inclined to spend time in debate, being tired of the whole affair and anxious to bring it to an end. Thus it happens that measures of most importance are least discussed, and the Colony is made to bend its back to a burden it will not easily cast off. Truly, here is room for a great reform.