Marlborough Times. WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 1881.

Marlborough Daily Times, Volume III, Issue 290, 28 September 1881, Page 2

Marlborough Times. WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 1881.

A statu of uncertainty as to the precise nature of its political programme is probably the worst and most unsatisfactory into which a party can fall. Yet this, it is reported, is the exact position of the great “ Liberal ” party at the present time. By some means best known to itself it lias persuaded itself into the belief that a rather peculiar complication will arise in this district at the coming elections, and it is undecided as to the principles to he adopted as affording the best chance of success. Wo arc not about to specify the complication referred to, hut it is sufficient to say that upon it depends the important result of whether the party shall lie represented by one man who is thoroughly identified with it or by an outsider, and whether one set of principles shall he adhered to or another set, in direct opposition to these, shall lie taken up. This, it is broadly stated, is now the position to which the great Liberal party has descended, and the rumor appears to he correct, for although it is now some time since Mr Henderson, its former loader, retired from the contest, his successor lias not yet been named. It is not likely that lie will he for some time to come, though we understand a good deal of quiet canvassing is being car-

nod on by a gentleman, who, m ucfault of a better man, will lead the party, but we are also informed that his views upon several important topics are expressed in a very guarded j manner, and that plenty of loopholes ! are left for escape should it be ncces- | sary in the near future to change his opinions. From our previous acquaintance with the ambitious gentleman alluded to we can readily give credence to this latter statement, and have no doubt the party will appear upon an entirely new platform at the coming elections. But the time is now drawing near when the electors will be called upon to decide matters at the ballot-box, and wo can understand the peculiar anxiety of the party at the present juncture. To give'it even the merest shadow of a dmm.n nf success it is necessarv that

it should have lime to endeavor to form public opinion in a iavorable direction, hut how can it venture to do this when perhaps any opinions expressed now will have to be abandoned and opposed before the day of nomination 1 The position is certainly a peculiar one, and we are curious to see its issue. We cannot help remarking, however, that it is melancholy to witness a whole party in the unenviable state of halting between two opinions, and it is also very discreditable to it to know that it has no steadfast principles to be fought out, but is prepared to adopt all or any that promise success. On previous occasions it has fought on principles bad in themselves, but it certainly adhered to them and pronounced them boldly at all times. But of late its indecision has been most marked, and this moreover is a fair indication that the party itself lias fallen into decay. We prophesied this result some time ago, and every circumstance which has since happened in connection with ! the party has but served to strengthen | our belief that the days of Greyism j have passed away for ever, oven in j Marlborough, If the few reproseii- i tafives of the cause who yet remain amongst us desire to obtain the res- I

pect or countenance of any section of the public why do they not boldly put forward a candidate and state the grounds upon which they intend to fight the coining election ? It may be that they do not intend to fight, but we believe they will make one more struggle at least before giving up the ghost, and we would certainly like to see the party politically buried with honor, which will not he the case unless its principles are stated at once and adhered to throughout.

Nativk affairs are again beginning to wear a rather serious aspect. Te Whiti. it is stated, still counsels peace, but the young men are eager to display their prowess, and there are reasonable grounds ior believing that blood will yet be spilt at Fariliaka. Telegrams from New Plymouth show that the settlers there are very uneasy in respect to the future, and those pioneers who recently purchased land at Xgakumikunii Are bringing their families into the town until affairs become more settled. One settler, it is said, was ordered to desist from clearing his ground, and after a short struggle with the Maori who threatened him, others appeared upon the scene and he had to fly for his life to the camp. Mounted rifle corps have been organised at Mamba and Optmake, and a volunteer infantry corps lias also been formed at Huwcra. The Stella and Hinemoa have proceeded to the scene with detachments of the Armed Constabulary and arms and ammunition ; while at Christchurch and Auckland large numbers are being enrolled in the ranks of the Constabulary. A most suspicious circumstance in connection with this matter is that the old rebel Titokowarn together with his people have left their settlement and proceeded to Parihakn, carrying with them all their effects and burning down some of their wliares before leaving. This would appear to mean mischief and indicate that it is intended to mass forces at Fariliaka before descending to the Waimate Plains. Perhaps on the whole it is just as well that matters arc assuming a threatening aspect, as it may be assumed that the uncertainty which lias hitherto prevailed will he the sooner dispelled. The ease has been very well put by a contemporary, which says that to have pence or war hanging on the whim of Te Whiti and to he in a constant state of preparation to meet his excited followers, is a state of things that neither the Government nor the country is at all likely to submit to. Already a large sum lias been spent on the force necessary to overawe the natives, and the Colony has been put to a vast expense to preserve a peace which was not certain, hut which might at any time he transformed into war at the bidding of t.he Maori prophet, liose word has so far been law to his infatuated followers. Large numbers of persons have lately bought land from Government with full trust that the war scare was over and that settlement might he properly carried out. and Government is bound to relieve them from a state of suspense. It is to lie hoped that if war has to be declared the work of settling the Native difficulty will be effectually accomplished in a prompt manner, and the Native ! power destroyed for ever. Wc trust Go- ! vernment will take active measures to j prevent an outbreak, hut if it is inevitable, by all means let the lesson he a severe one, for that only will he effective for all future j time.