THE Mount Ida Chronicle FRIDAY, JUNE 16, 1876.

Mount Ida Chronicle, Volume VII, Issue 379, 16 June 1876, Page 2

THE Mount Ida Chronicle FRIDAY, JUNE 16, 1876.

It is,not possible to predict the outcome of the new Parliament, which met in its first session yesterday. That that outcome will be favorable to Otago is not exceedingly probable. Our Otago contingent may be staunch and true at the first onset of the battle, but, the mediey ouce established, the doubtful ones' and the waverers will . break away to paddle their own canoes. -Thei'e are numberless rewards in suspension for the faithful. In addition, Members of more stability are to be bribed through their district by means of a new loan, the proceeds of which are to be scrambled for. As another conflicting element we have the Otago land party, who are going in with the Canterbury men for unopposed renewals^,f their leases for definite periods, whoseilatest cat's-paw is Mr. Connell, and whose unwavering supporter is the j'fOtago Daily Times.' ,On the other 5 hand, Auckland's interest is bound up in beating the present Government. The only elmnee of success in that particular is to act loyally by Otago's liberal party. Yet, even Auckland is split, with so able a man as Mr. Whittaker tolead the Government's Northern supporters. What direction affairs will take will soon be known. There has been already an unusually large muster of Members, and the struggle will probably begin upon the Address in Heply to the Governor's Speech. A rumor is industriously circulated by the rabid Centralists to the effect that the Government mean to constitute a session, and immediately prorogue for a few days. Tt is thought that, in such a case, in the absence of the chief Provineialists from their centres, the Abo-' lition Bill would become law, agents could be appointed, and a quiet taking possession be accomplished. This scheme appears, however, to be very unlikely, as it would certainly alienate many wavering supporters, and induce them to make a common cause with che Opposition. There appears to be no special proposition afloat in regard to the Goldfields. Perhaps it will be better for the-Goldfields that it should be so. The utter hollowness of the bribe of return of local taxation for

local consumption is not likely to be" repeated this session. Otago, by the action of her treacherous Members of last session, has been submitted to an unequal attack. She stands in har prosperity on a base of forced inequality with other Provinces who thirst after her riches, who desire to share in the fruit of her fields in which they have not sown. That she can come out of the battle with security and without loss is impossible. Something may be saved if her Members are true to her interests.