NELSON.

Lyttelton Times, Volume III, Issue 156, 31 December 1853, Page 5

NELSON.

The Mahtoree arrived on the 28tU November from London, having left Gravesend on the 15th July, bringing but few passengers. The Constantine, from London, was daily expected, being advertised to sail for Nelson direct on the 15th August. A branch of the Union Bank of Australia is about being re-opened, a requisition to that effect having been made to the Inspector, at Sydney; who has acquiesced, feeling satisfied with the position, increased wealth, and great mineral resources of the Province. Sir G. Ghey and the New Constitution. The opinion expressed by the various Provincial Councils of the colony who have yet spoken on the subject," is unanimous in the condemnation of the conduct of Sir George Grey in delaying to assemble the General Assembly, and taking upon himself the functions of the General Government. The practical evil of this proceeding becomes apparent the momeut the Provincial Councils begin to legislate, but more particularly so when questions are mooted of Revenue and expenditure. The fact is indisputable, that in undertaking to appropriate the Revenue of the colony on his own mere authority, the Governor has done what he has not the shadow of a right to do ; and moreover, that his arrangements are liable to be upset the moment a General Assembly shall meet. The great curse of this colony from the period of its foundation has been the uncertainty of everything. There has never been from year to year, scarcely from clay to day, any fixed principle of action in our rulers, who have been consistent in nothing but in their inconsistency. Instructions given by the Home Government have been disregarded ; laws enacted by the Colonial Legislatures have been kicked aside at pleasure ; and even Acts of the Imperial Parliament, which usually are supposed to have a binding influence on the subjects of Great Britain, great and small, have been wholly set at nought—and the past history of New Zealand has been little better than a series of contradictions, uncertainties, and vexatious delays and disappointments. The passing of the Constitution Act was supposed to be the death knoll of this mischievous state of things; from the date of its operation it was supposed that law would take the place of arbitrary rule ; and the belief at length obtained, that " there is no power can alter a decree established." But Sir George Grey has shewn upon what a frail foundation this hope ami expectation was based. The law is great, but Sir George is greater; and he has again, proved to us that he is "King, and Law, and Lord." Where and when is this to end ? Is the arbitrary exercise of power by one man for ever to trample down Constitutional freedom? Is it possible that a Governor of a British Colony should for ever set at nought the Acts made by Parliament for governing the people above whom he is placed, and not be called to serious account for so doing ? Past circumstances have favoured the conduct of His Excellency ; but we very much doubt whether, emboldened by former success, Sir George has not, in perversely refusing- to summon the General Council to'initiate the working of the Constitution Act, at length raised a storm which he will find himself unable to allay. The resolutions passed unanimously by the Council of this Province, shew in what light the conduct of the Governor is viewed by our local legislature ; at Canterbury the temper is very similar ; and at New Plymouth, judging from the circumstance that the Council has decided upon appropriating the revenue only for three months, from an apprehension that it would be unsafe to vote supplies for any longer period, the feeling must be equally strong against Sir George Grey's proceedings. What the House of Representatives will say upon the subject remains to be seen ; but if Sir George Grey ever meets that General Assembly, whose privileges and powers he has so wantonly trampled upon and set aside, he will find that he has gained little by the delay which he may have thought was to cover with oblivion some past acts which he would fain hear no more of, and be taught that— "Omission toiio what is necessary Seals a commission to a blank of danger : Aud danger, like au asjnc, subtly tainU Ev'u then when we sit idly i" the suit."' — JSTelson Examiner.