MR. STAFFORD AND THE COLONY

Hawke's Bay Times, Volume 19, Issue 1482, 16 November 1872, Page 2

MR. STAFFORD AND THE COLONY

(Wanganui Herald.) These was more of satire probably than the expression of a fixed determination in. Mr Stafford's threat to leave the colony rather than remain to see it perish beneath the influence of Yogelism. The occasion on which he spoke was onethat ought to have made a statesman experienced in the affairs of the Colony shrink in dismay from the future. The unpremeditated and hurried doctoring of the schedule to the railway bill pro-* viding for the expenditure of upwards of three millions of money; the resolve to silence discussion and carry the measure through on the shoulders of an unscrupulous majority; and the indifference displayed to the reasonable demands of those whose love cf country forbade them, descending to a factious course; these considerations weighing on the mind of any man of keen vision who had the future interests of the Colony at heart,., would naturally produce a feeling of despair.. This was no doubt the first impulse which moved Mr Stafford, though it would be quickly subdued. But whatever might have been the original im-~ pulse, it was succeeded by what sounds, as a very pleasant and refined piece of satire. In committee of supply, while discussing the schedule of the Railway Bill, Mr Stafford, in referring to thelight and irresponsible demeanor of those who could dispose of millions with as, little consideration as the salary of % subordinate clerk, said:—"The money would he hoped last two or three years longer. He had been for the past year making arrangements which it would stilt, take two or three years to complete; and, then it would be a matter of indifference, to him what became of the Colony, as by that time he should have ceased to, have any connection with or interest ia it. He regretted deeply having, to say this, after having spent a long series of, years in endeavoring to help forward the colonisation of the country." The Go--vernment organs have studiously cut short the quotation at this point, satisfied doubtless at having found an admission; which would tend to confirm and strengthen the sway of Mr Yogeh. Mr, Stafford added that " he would then be in a fit position to fill the post of Finance Minister of the Colony." To. put it in, other terms, after be had disposed.of. bis, property and interest in the country, he would find himself as free to traffic in v millions, to buy up support by lavish and. wasteful expenditure, as the present Colo.. nial Treasurer. If, however, Mr Stafford* has really come to such, a determina--tion, and the quotation was not all a* satire, then his resolution is a thing to be deeply regretted. There are in. theColony too few men of capacity, expert ence and- honesty engaged in politics, that we can afford to part with one who is so competent in himself to assist in guiding; the destinies of the Colony as Mr Stafford is. This is just the time when, such a man is needed, when he mav be found—as Lord Derby described the Conservativeparty —as useful, and holding as honorable a place, in Opposition as if he were the Premier of the Colony. We have no< right to say to any man that he should' voluntarily sacrifice his own prospects, and those of his family; and ; if Mr Stafc ford resolved to take a step by which bo thought he could avert the impending ruin he would be acting from the motives, which ordinarily influence the world. Mr Stafford, however, we think takes too desponding a view if be imagines the Colony cannot be saved from financial repudiation. At any rate his own pre* sence would help to prevent such trophe, and he would lay himself fairly open to the charge of want of patriotism were he not to stand close by, if not at,, the helm,, so that when the time canw his services might once more be placed at the disposal of the Colony. There has been no disposition lately shown by the people to ostracise Mr Stafford from political life. The three last elections have given him supporters, and if there were to be a dissolution soon he mightt. rely on having a majority in the first session ot the new parliament. The time is. ntffar distant when he may again toks the highest place in the administra* tion, and he. owes it to his party and friends not to desert them,, especially when they have placed their faith in bitfi as the leader they desire to follow intlhenscrusade agaiust a wasteful and extravagant Government. In the satirical sense