New Zealand Times. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 11, 1874.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXIX, Issue 4283, 11 December 1874, Page 2

New Zealand Times. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 11, 1874.

We aro pleased to learn that Mr. Reynolds has received a special vote of confidence from his Dunedin constituents for his action on the “ abolition resolutions.” This is another proof that in the great centres of population Superintendentalism is in disfavor. Whatever may have been Mr. Reynolds’ original motives for supporting the resolutions, he certainly acted wisely in so doing. As a member of the Ministry, he had only one of two courses open : either to follow Mr. O’Rorke s example and resign, or to remain in office and put the best possible face on his acceptance of a Colonial policy. Ho chose the latter course, and we are bound to accept his Dunedin explanation as strictly accurate. Ho has taken the leap, and bid a long farewell to his old Provincialist allies, who, till the last moment, entertained an idea that tho Hon. Commissioner of Customs would return to his idols, and forsake the Colonial party. From many points of view, personal and public, Mr. Reynolds is to be congratulated. But the rather meagre telegraphic outline of Mr. Reynolds’ speech in the Temperance Hall does not altogether allay apprehension on his account. It is quite clear that he spoke rather as member for Dunedin than as a member of the General Government. This is inconvenient in many respects ; but it must be pre-emi-nently embarrassing to his colleagues.' There is, however, a vagueness about his language, if his meaning be accurately conveyed, that may afford a loop-hole for any possible contingency save one ; and that one is the most important of all, namely, the course he would take should a measure for the equalisation of taxation throughout the colony bo brought under consideration. From all wo can observe in the provincial Press, we take leave to think that the Government will be forced to consider this question in tho coming session ; and it would be interesting to the colony to know whether Mr. Reynolds, in Dunedin, spoke the Ministerial mind or not. If -he did, we foresee trouble ahead. If he did not, no time should be lost by him in placing the fact beyond doubt. Wo remember, on one occasion, that language of a most unbecoming character was used by Mr. John Hall, usually one of tho mildest of men, when “the compact of 1856” was under debate. On that occasion, speaking from the Ministerial bench, he declared that sooner than part with their land fund the South would fight for it; and we think that Mr. Reynolds, although occupying a less influential position at that time, held similar language. Now, it is not in contemplation by any one that we know, to “take the “ land fund from the Southbut it clearly is the intention of a majority of the inhabitants of'this colony to have such a revision of its fiscal policy as shall result in an equalisation of taxation. How that is co be effected it is for the General Assembly to determine. Tho Assembly has full power to make any disposition it pleases of the public estate, and of the revenues accruing therefrom; and the representatives of the people will doubtless consider the question, with a view to settlement, at- no distant day. The policy of localising the land revenue, which was set out in the Ministerial programme last session, is that which most commends itself to practical minds; but extreme views like those enunciated by Mr. Reynolds, himself a Minister, must necessarily embarrass bis colleagues in maturing a measure which would satisfy all parts of the country. It is this part of his speech to which we take exception, and for tho reason stated. As a Colonial Minister, Mr. Reynolds should not know either North and South as having conflicting interests. His duty is to consider what is best for the whole colony; and if he cannot rise to the level of his official duty in this respect, he should withdraw from a position which must be irksome to him. With regard t to the Seat of Government question, it need not have been alluded to. It was finally settled by the declaration of Mr. Stafford, when he assumed office in 1872, and by tho counter declaration of Mr. Vogel when he succeeded in ousting Mr. Stafford. Both sides of the House were then pledged to the maintenance of the Seat of Government at Wellington, and therefore this could hardly have had much bearing upon tho abolition resolutions, although for the sake of allaying apprehension out of doors the Seat of Government was tacked on to it. Politicians understood this perfectly well at the time, as they likewise understood the meaning of the latid fund tack. But if the argument of Mr. Reynolds, in favor of the abolition of the Nortli Island provinces, bo worth anything, it is quite as forcible when applied to the Middle Island. The affairs of the South may be quite as efficiently managed from Wellington as the affairs of the North can possibly be. There is much more frequent commuiiication with all parts of the Middle Island than with the principal northern settlements, and the telegraph system is more perfected in the South than in the North. As a colonial Minister, Mr. Reynolds should look this fact fairly in tho face, and local prejudice should not blind him to the inevitable. We aro inclined to think that the majority of his constituents would not object to the total abolition of Provincial Government ; and we have far too high an opinion of their political virtue to suppose for an instant that they would object to tho equSlisation of taxation. Tho fact is that Dunedin profits nothin a from J-%". uAismig jiscai' system. On tho other hand, were a fair disposition of revenue—general and provincial, made, it would bo very much better off. This is a view of the question wo commend to the consideration of Dunedin politicians. That city contributes largely to the revenue, and receives little or nothing in return. WKitt-should not bo ; but Mr. Reynolds does not help his constituents to a solution of tho difficulty. Mr. Reynolds “thought Dunedin “ should have another representative.” Does this moan, that he conceives tho coiiStitu uiic}- would bo better served by some one other than himself ; or does it mean that in his opinion, three members should sit for tho constituency in tho Assembly 1 If tho former, all we have to say is, that Mr. Reynolds is too good a judge for us to differ from him ; if tho latter, we have to remark, that he is clearly speaking as the local member and not as a Minister. Fortunately, his opinion does not dominate the Executive; and wo aro not likely to have tho balance of power disturbed by any additions to tho House through legislative action next session.