THE NEW REGIME.

Lake Wakatip Mail, Volume I, Issue 31, 15 August 1863, Page 6

THE NEW REGIME.

To the Editor of the Lake Wakatip Mail.

Sir, —I have observed in your late numbers some articles which would lead your readers to entertain very strange notions of the manner in which they are governed, and of the persons now high in authority. I will, by asking you a few questions, endeavor to explain the true position of things, and give you at the same time an opportunity of correcting in some measure the political doctrine you would establish. To begin with his Honor the Superintendent. It is well known that the people, tired of the Old Identity regime, returned him in order that he might introduce more modern and liberal measures than the country had hitherto experienced. Has any one been disappointed ? At the time he assumed the reins of Government he was without advisers, in the shape of an Executive. Did he not soon find those in whom the people had confidence, and take them into bis council? Where was he to find any one better fitteft for the office than the Secretary for the Goldfields and the head of the Police ? Does not the quick manner in which everything has been done evince great zeal for the public good; why then do you want people to believe that Mr Harris wishes certain matters over before the Council meets? Again, since he is such a public benefactor in the eyes of the majority, is it not his duty to convince the few and to gain all the political influence he can ? How can he do this better than by following the example of Mr. O'Shanassy with regard to the police department ? Is not the public service something different to what it was—far better managed than if the absurd system of promotion according to seniority and merit, as laid down by Major Richardson, was carried out ?

To turn now to the advisers of this gentleman. First in order comes Mr. Vincent Pyke, our worthy secretary for the goldfields. Is he not adapted in everything for the post of confidential adviser?—witness bis knowledge of human nature. And is not his present appointment proof of his superior diplomacy? —witness his courage in trying moments, so strikingly exhibited in the Victorian Assembly. With these qualifications is he not the right man to have half the patronage of the Province in his hands, and will he make use of this great power in an improper manner ? No, not he.

Next comes Mr. St. John Branigan. His antecedents are such as leave no doubt in the public mind as to his fitness for an adviser. He first came before the public at the Cape, where his conduct, considering the office he held, was exemplary. We next find him in Melbourne as sergeant of police, figuring in defence of the Parliament House, and lastly he has made his bow, as the Fouche of Otago. Was not that great man a formidable agent in the political intrigues of Napoleon, "why then should not Mr. Branigan be in the service of Mr. Harris ? Since England has become more enlightened, is not police espionage much approved of? Does not Mr. Branigan carry this out—look at the appointments he has made—see how he has his police in positions to do what he wants—he has made Wardens of two of them—he keeps detectives as officers in the force—and now we have another here as inspector of licenses. Through these means have we not proof of the excellence of the Government intelligence, gleaned from private circles, public meetings, from all sorts of sources—l ask you is not a person of this sort our worth having to fix another firmly in his seat —is he not worthy of the other half of the patronage which Mr. Pyke divides with him? If you answer these questions conscientiously, our triumverate will appear in quite a new light. It will be seen that these gentlemen are acting in a manner calculated to advance the country, and that do one has any right to question their authority. Nemo.