THE NEXT SESSION.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 48, 23 December 1871, Page 3

THE NEXT SESSION.

[lndependent.] Until we had read the report published in the “ Otago Daily Times” of the interview between the municipal authorities of Dunedin and the Superintendent of Otago with regard to the anticipated meeting of the General Assembly at Dunedin, we had no idea of the vast importance with which this matter is regarded by the citizens of that place. Of course we were quite prepared to hear the stock argument that the change would educate the members of the Assembly for other provinces upon the condition and re sources of Otago, —although we must confess to very grave doubts whether the members will be able to do much more in the search for knowledge than make themselves dismally acquainted with the streets of Dunedin and the delightful weather which always prevails in that city during the winter months. But we find that the change is not to confine its advantages to merely political education. It appears from the remarkably frank confession of'Mr Fish, the worthy Mayor of Dunedin, that great moral and social benefits are expected, and that it is as much for the improvement of the social habits of the New Zealand Edinburgh, us for the political lesson to be imparted to the Parliament that the meeting of the Assembly is so much to be desired. No doubt, if this be the case, an additional, and perhaps not the least reason for carrying out the resolution of the House of Representatives is afforded. It is rather a novel feature in the question, but as we have the authority of the Mayor of Dunedin, it is perhaps worthy of consideration. The meeting of the Assembly necessarily involves the presence of the Governor, and Mr Fish tells the Superintendent of Otago that “ if the Governor could be induced to reside for a time in Dunedin it would (jive that tone to society which they thought ought to exist'' What does his Worship mean ? Evidently if something “ ought to exist ” it is tolerably clear that he is of opinion that it does not exist at present. And what does he mean by “ tone.” Professionally he may have meant a coloring—a roseate hue we will say—which the presence of her Majesty’s representative might give to the usually sombre tints of Dunedin society. He surely does not mean that “ society ” in the Otago metropolis is out of sorts —rather seedy in fact —and that his Excellency is to be administered medicinally as a tonic ? Just fancy the horrible unpleasantness which such a suggestion must create in the mind of the Governor. “ To be taken twice a day” and —if the Premier be there—“in a wine glass of water!” But Mr Mayor Fish did not confine himself to the, amelioration of Dunedin society. His natural instincts did not lose sight ot tlqat most powerful argument to English minds—the breeches pocket. The meeting of the Assembly is amongst other things to cheer the hearts and recuperate the tills of Dunedin tradesmen. “Viewing the

matter” he says “ perhaps from (we suppose he meant 1 in') rather a selfish light on behalf of the citizens, they did not fail to recognise the immense benefit it would be from a monetary point of view if the Governor and the General Assembly came to Dunedin ” Here is another powerful argument for this absurd change—that the colony is to be put to enormous cost in order that an “ immense benefit” in a monetary sense may bo conferred upon the citizens of Dunedin. So far the reasons adduced in support of the removal of the Assembly consist, of, first —That it will have a valuable effect in instructing the members of Parliament as to the resources of Otago; second, that it will give a “tone” to Dunedin society ; and last, that it will cause the expenditure of a few extra thousands for the benefit of the Dunedin tradesfolk. And this is the sort of child’s play which the people of New Zealand are called upon to witness at the most critical period in the history of the colony ! In the face of such proceed ings, all the protestations in favor of eeonouiy and efficiency in carrying out the functions of the Government, fall as mere idle talk. Apart from the expense, consider the impediments that.must unavoidably arise in the prosecution of the business of the Assembly if Parliament is to be separated, some four hundred miles from the permanent offices. It is well understoood by the most fervent friends of the Ministry that the success of their policy depends upon the most scrupulous care and attention to its details. Impatience was manifested during the last recess at the nomadic pursuits of Ministers, the public feeling, naturally, that a scheme of such a magnitude and so full of important details as that which the Government had launched, was not one that could be expected to work itself out by internal volition. And yet now, after twelve months have elapsed and nothing of importance done, the time and attention of the Government are to be distracted by the puerile proposal in question. No doubt the Government feel themselves in a fix. They have a direct resolution of the House of Representa lives in favor of the proposed removal ; they have also a contrary expression of opinion from the other branch of the Legislature. But they have a higher duty to perform than that of meekly carrying out a proposal which does not in the slightest degree benefit the interests of the colony. They have to carry out their policy, and the colony expects them to clo so. Time is passing ; in a few short months the Assembly will meet again, and assuredly the country will ask for some practical results from the measures it endorsed two years before. A large and loyal support was given to the Government last session ; first, because of faith in a vigorous public works policy; and, second, because of a belief that those who had initiated this policy would carry it out thoroughly. And we are quite certain that to ensure that success which the colony hopes for, the closest application, the utmost watchfulness and care, and absolutely unswerving attention are required. If Parliament meets in Dunedin next session these conditions cannot possibly be fulfilled Public business must necessarily be impeded in every direction. Desirable information on many subjects will not be forthcoming, heads of departments cannot be consulted and all the machinery of Government will be dislocated and out of gear. And we venture to say that with the exception, perhaps, of some of the Otago members, not one of those who voted for the removal is prepared at this moment to justify his conduct to his constituents. The people of New Zealand look to the Government for great things, they regard the proposed change as a piece of costly folly, and they would, we are sure, support the Government in opposing it. Why does not the Government muster up a little pluck in this matter.