NELSON. [From the Nelson Examiner, Jan. 20 ]

New Zealand Spectator and Cook's Strait Guardian, Volume V, Issue 366, 3 February 1849, Page 3

NELSON. [From the Nelson Examiner, Jan. 20 ]

Our columns of to-day contain the exposition of the Governor's views, together with some particulars as to details which were elicited by' the Council. The consideration, therefore, now is, how Sir George has succeeded as a constitution-maker, and whether his plan of Government is any improvement on that of his noble namesake ? We should be wanting in candour indeed, were we to disguise our feelings by not declaring, that in our opinion his Excellency's plan for the future government of the country is a decided improvement on Earl Grey's — that more than this, it seems to us a wise, a liberal, and a just measure. The plan of the noble Colonial Secre ary has still been retained as the groundwork, but much of its cumbrous machinery has been dispensed with, and the alterations made by. the' Governor are all in the direction of popular feelings. For instance, the complicated system of double elections are altogether dispensed with, and those who represent the people in Councils will always be elected directly by the people, and not by an intermediate body. Another and a great improvement in Sir George Grey's pirn is, making the number of members returned by each settlement dependent on its population, insteadof on the amount of revenue it contributes to the Treasury. The plan proposed by Earl Grey would have completely swamped the interests of the lesser settlements; but under the proposed constitutition, each will possess just that degree" of influence to which it is fairly entitled. We by no means intend saying that the scheme propounded by the Governor is a perfect scheme of government for these islands ; but considering all the circumstances of our own position, and that the consent of the Home Government had to be given to it before it could be brought into operation, we think the measure as popular as it would perhaps be possible to get carried. A greaf deal of 'course will depend on the filling in of the details; but if these are carried out in the spirit in which the outline, of the measure is conceived, there will be little room for complaint. Besides, the noble Secretary for the Colonies has' promised to put the Governments of the colonies on a new footing ; to entrust large powers to the colonists themselves for determining the form of Government best suited to their respective circumstances, and to restrict the tinkering propensities of his successors. It is a great' pity, if the Governor intended, when discussing the Provincial Councils' Bill in Auckland, to recommend the introduction of a broad and comprehensive system of representative government, even at the distant period of four years, lhat he should have ran such a tilt against his own .views. Had his Excellency only hinted at the time when he believed a different form of Government might properly be introduced, instead of stating that it must be dependent on changes which, in the opinions of most other persons at least, seemed to point at a period far more remote, much of the opposition he has encountered would have been saved. But his Excellency is almost chivalrous in despising the (advantages which would sometimes result to him from displaying a little more candour, and reposing a little more confidence in those who are placed about him, but nothing will induce him to break, through his habitual reserve before what he considers the fitting time, and prudence, which with proper limits is so commendable, particularly in one of his station', yet, carried to excess, as it is by bis Excellency, becomes almost a fault. As it is then' impossible that we should be able to fa-

them the workings of Sir George's mind, or to judge of his intentions otherwise than from his own mouth, we see nothing in the opposition offered to him but what was warranted by his own conduct. If men will deal in ambiguities of conduct and speech, they must not be surprised if their real motives,and intentions are sometimes misunderstood. The only subject on which then we are now at issue with the Governor, is the time when representative government is to be given to New Zealand. It is but due to his Excellency, that his objections to the immediate change should be well considered, and a. proper deference shown to his opinion. But afjter carefully weighing all his Excellency's objections, we are still unconvinced of the necessity of delay. We speak only of the circumstances of this province, for of the state of the North, and its fitness for selfgovernment, we pretend not to judge. The argument we attach the greatest weight to for withholding representative institutions from the South, is one his Excellency does not use ; namely, the irregularity of such a proceeding as granting free institutions to one half of a small colony, and withholding them from the other, and the inconvenience which might arise from it, and this being only for the period of four years would not.be worth encountering.

Harvest. — Harvest work is now proceeding rapidly in all parts' of the settlement. A great portion of the bailey and oat crop has been saved, and many of the farmers, are now busy with their wheat. The season has altogether been a highly favourable one, and we hear of no complaint of any kind. In another fortnight the busy part of harvest will be nearly over. — Ib., Jan. 13.