THE COMING CONSTITUTIONAL CHANGES.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume X, Issue 58, 9 March 1875, Page 4

THE COMING CONSTITUTIONAL CHANGES.

(New Zealand Times, March 4.) The Otago Guardian of the Ist iost. has an able article on the constitutional question, as it is apparently affected by the death of Mr Williamson, late Superintendent of Auckland, and the willingness of Sic George Grey to undertake the duties of. the vacant office if elected to it. The writer speaks in kindly and appreciative terms of the late Superintendent of Aucklaud, but not more so than he deserved ; while a just tribute is paid to the self-denying character ot Sir George Grey's offer to tbe Auckland electorate. But that which most concerns us is the expression of opinion by our contemporary on the general question. We quote the passage to which we refer, because we think it fairly reflects the views of a majority of the Otago people. The Guardian says : — " Such complete self-abnegation as is evidenced by Sir George Grey's action herein, gilds with fresh lustre the failing cause of provincialism, and must extort the admiration of his political opponents. Like Mr Williamson, he is not disposed to allow the province with which he is closely identified to be 'brought low by th9 destroyer's hand/ without at ' least making a vigorous effort for its preservation. And it will be no unfitting termination to Sir George's public career that — as he was the founder of the provincial system — he should be the last wielder of provincial authority in the oldest settlement of New Zealand. For that provincialism is doomed we cannot doubt. Its final extinction may be delayed by interprovincial jealousies, repeating, in another form, intertribal disputes. The next session may be barren of results, and the people may yet be appealed to for their verdict in the grave issue presented to the Assembly by Ministers. There are rocks ahead which threaten danger, — shoals upon which the vessel of State, with all its crew, may yet come to grief. But nothing can long prevent or stay the coming change : and a general election will but precipitate events. Never was tha general voice of the people more unanimous than it is in this matter. Rightly or wrongly, the fiat has gone forth; the people are prepared to accept — nay, to welcome — the impending constitutional revolution; and nothing can now avert it but serious blundering on the part qf those who have undertaken its accomplishment. Our only apprehension is, that the burden and excitement of public life may overtax tbe physical energies of the brave old man who has so unselfishly thrown himself into the very thickest of the strife, and that thus another valuable life tray he sacrificed — another victim added to the list of those whose loss is a national calamity. Let us hope that this misfortune may be averted; and thut Sir Goorge Grey may yet survive to overcome the certain disappointment that awaits him, and to witness tbe colony, which he loves and has so well serveJ, entering upon a newer and enlarged course of prosperity." We say also that "the fiat has gone fortb,"and that any paltering with public feeling will be fatal to the political party which attempts it. Half measures or reform will not do. The colony must be consolidated, and that speedily, for it cannot much longer bear the unequal strain upon its resources, which is kept up by what the Guardian has very aptly styled " interprovincial jealousies." The country has spoken out with no uncertain voice, and it will depend upon Ministers themselves whether they lead or follow the current of public thought. One thing is certain, however, tbe question cannot be shelved. The General Assembly next Bession will discuss the question of constitutional change, and we trust it will decide it also before going to the country. If the change be a desirable one, it cannot be made a day too soon, and that it is most desirable appears to be the settled conviction of a majority of thd people. What advantage then is there in delay? If any new light were likely to be thrown on the subject, we should not so strongly oppose a reference to the electorate; but every possible argument has been brought forward in favor of provincialism aud disposed of already. Sir George Grey muy take his .seat in the House of [Representatives, but that will not niter the position of the question, nor will it, bo far as we at present see, alter tbe relative position of the parties. Doubtless there will be great diversity of opinion regarding the details of any measure of the kind; but the principle involved in provincial abolition will be affirmed by an overwhelming majority.