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New Zealand Times, Volume XXX, Issue 4384, 8 April 1875, Page 2

We have not seen any announcement of the acceptance, by Sir George Grey, of the powers usually delegated by the Governor to superintendents of provinces. Can Sir George have declined to accept the delegation ; if not, what is the cause of the delay 1 We are entitled to put this question very pointedly, because we understand that a fresh discovery of gold in the Ohinemuri district renders it advisable to extend the boundaries of that goldfield, and it would be more convenient, and save time, if the Superintendent of Auckland had authority to act promptly in this, and in any similar case, as occasion might arise. The fault does not lie with the General Government, we are thoroughly convinced, because whatever might have been the course pursu ed h ad the Auckland superintendency gone into other hands, no Colonial Executive could possibly refrain from advising his Excellency to delegate, according to precedent, his powers under certain Acts of the Legislature, to Sir George. Grey. That being so, we think the country has a right to know why the administration of affairs in Auckland should be embarrassed by unnecessary and unexplained delay in assuming those functions which have been exercised by Sir George Grey’s predecessors in office. Surely this cannot be held to be conducive to the welfare and happiness of the people of Auckland 1 And it becomes a serious question how far, in the public interest, it should be in the power of any public official to create, by his own whimsical temper, an administrative deadlock such as must take place in Auckland if things remain as they are. Wo object to government by delegation altogether. It is wrong in principle : a contrivance by which responsibility to the people is evaded. Sir George Grey may seriously object to accept the delegated powers from a similar conviction ; but that is scarcely to the point just now. It has grown into a settled, practice, as wo have said, to delegate the Governor’s powers to superintendents of provinces, and it would bo most invidious, not to say improper, to make an exception in the case of Sir George Grey, unless at his own special request. If he declines, let him do so by all means ; but it is neither considerate nor right to hang it up in suspense, and permit grievances to accumulate in the interval. Wo should say, in conclusion, that the Government are anxious to work harmoniously with Sir George. It is therefore to be regretted that there should bo, any cause, however slight, to suspect want of sympathy and friendliness on his part.