New Zealand Mail. PUBLISHED WEEKLY. SATURDAY, APRIL 29, 1871. THE WEEK.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 14, 29 April 1871, Page 11

New Zealand Mail. PUBLISHED WEEKLY. SATURDAY, APRIL 29, 1871. THE WEEK.

While in oommon with our daily contemporaries, we have to congratulate thejprovince on having secured one of the most able men in the colony for its Superintendent, and at a time when more than ordinary qualifications were required for the office. We do not coincide with all the opinions they have expressed relative to the late election. The comparatively email number of votes recorded is no proof that the public took no interest in the contest, and were indifferent as to the result. It was because they felt no doubt about the result that they took no part in the contest, jf the chances in favor of Mr Finnimore had been felt to be greater, and those in favor of Mr Fitzherbert less, a much larger number of votes would have been recorded for both. The conviction that the latter was certain to be ©looted prevented large numbers of both supporters and opponents from going to the poll. This is the true reason why so few votes were recorded. “There is no use in going to ▼ote, as Mr Fitzherbert is sure to be elected,” was the common argument of his supporters and opponents. The one looked upon his triumph as certain, and the other looked upon the struggle as hopeless. It might naturally be supposed that Mr Fitzherbert owed his success to the circumstance that he was brought forward by the leading men of one party, and supported by the leading men of the other, and we should certainly have arrived at this conclusion did we not know as a fact that this circumstance, and the causes which gave rise to it, had the effect of damping the ardor of both. The fact is there was no contest, and the general public were convinced of this from the first. Mr Fitzherbert said that, as he intended to resign the office at the close of the next session of the General Assembly, he might be considered as a mere focm tenens.

This cause does not constitute him one ; and the fact may render his administration more effective bv being made more fearless. Holding such a position, he will care less about the popularity than about the principles of his measures. A Superintendent, anxious to obtain a fleeting popularity, would not have the courage to recommend to the Council those unpalatable measures which are absolutely required if the province i 3 to be got out of its difficulties and placed in that position which nature designed it to occupy. On the whole, therefore, it may be considered a most fortunate circumstance that it has such a man as Mr Fitzherbert for its Superintendent. Everyone knows that we. have a new Superintendent, but nobody appears to be aware that we are going to have also a new Executive. The one is as certain as the other. It is time, therefore, that the Press look the matter up. There is every probability that Mr Bunny will become Provincial Secretary, or at least a paid member of the Executive, with Mr Halcombe, probably, as Provincial Treasurer, as at present. The former will also possibly virtually act as law adviser. With reference to the immigration and public works policy of the Ministry, the Superintendent and new Executive will be of one mind ; but how about the new Road Act which the present Provincial Secretary intends to introduce? He has expressed strong opinions against the principle of rating sanctioned by the present Highways Act, and probably Mr Bunny would coincide with him as to the necessity of a change. On the other hand, we to know that Mr Fitzherbert was mainly instrumental in establishing t'he principles of an acreage rating as against a valuation rating, and that he thinks the arguments then used in its favor as valid to-day as they ever were. Mr Bunny would make an admirable administrator, but on this subject of rating our. new Superintendent holds the most popular views; and it is one of vital importance to a new country.

In the estimation of many persons the movement for the divorce of the Church from the State will be thought the most interesting item of news received by last mail. A collection of opinions which prevailed fifty years ago, and which then governed public action and legislation, contrasted with those which prevail at the present day would be interesting and amusing. We will venture the prediction that the peace of Europe and even that of France has not been settled by the late conferences and treaties. It is, however, most important for us to be assured that there is no danger of any ruptures between England and the United States.

The lighting of Wellington with gas deserves to be noticed as one of the landmarks in its history. The Gas Company have set an example to their fellow citizens, which they would do well to imitate, by the establishment of other companies having for their object the benefit of the city and province. Let the policy of the present Ministry get fairly inaugurated and one improvement will follow another in such rapid succession that people who arrive here twelvemonths hence will be astonished to learn that it was only a year ago sincegaswasintroduced. Probably tbenadifferent class of men than at present will constitute the majority in the city and the Provincial Council. There is danger at present that the majority of our public men will not keep pace with our town improvement. * The arrival of his Excellency the Governor at Wellington, after a visit to the principal settlements in the Middle Island, where in every instance he was most cordially greeted, was scarcely chronicled by our daily contemporaries, nor was his reception here so cordial as could have been desired. It might not have met his wishes, hut it would have done no harm had he been heartiily welcomed on his arrival at his new Vice-Regal residence. If we had no loyalty, it Would have indicated we were not deficient in good manners. It was probably known that he wished his arrival to be as private as possible; but when a stranger visits us he should have a cordial welcome, and no one will deny that is the character his Excellency holds at the Seat of the Government of the colony.