GOVERNMENT OF THE COLONY.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXX, Issue 4435, 7 June 1875, Page 2

GOVERNMENT OF THE COLONY.

The recent action of the Auckland Provincial Council, on the constitutional question of the form of government best suited for the colony, having been variously telegraphed, we deem it proper to place the exact facts before bur readers. These may be gathered from a report by the New Zealand Herald reprinted by us. It would be seen by that report, that the main question raised by Mr. Bagnall’s resolution for the abolition of Provincial Government was not debated. This motion was carried by a fluke, it appears, and Mr. Lusk, one of the opponents of Suporintendentalism, said he purposely abstained from voting on Mr. Bagnall’s motion, and subsequently voted for rescinding it. Mr. .Sheehan was accidentally absent from t}io division ; and therefore we are bound to conclude, that if a debate had ensued, and a division had been taken on the main question, it would have been rejected by the Council, probably by a majority of one, .or by the casting vote of the Speaker. But these facts did not appear from, the telegrams. It is, however, best to know the exact state of the case, inasmuch as the attitude of the Auckland Provincial Council on this question is of the utmost consequence as a key to the political situation in the North. Wo have this fact to go upon, namely, that the Council is pretty equally divided on the subject. The majority is inconsiderable either way. On tho other hand, we agree with Mr. Oarleton in his view of the public opinion of the province. If the question were put to the electorate, “yea ” or “nay,” the majority vote would be cast for abolition of provincial institutions. And Sir George Grey’s election is to be attributed to other causes than an affection for Superintendentalism. But here again comes in a disturbing element, the ultimate effect of which it is impossible to forecast. Neither in Auckland, nor in Wellington, will the issue bo fairly taken on its merits. The question will bo carefully fenced round by misrepresentation. It will not in reality be, which form of Government is best for the common good, but which form of Government will do most to advance particular interests. And we shall hear of neglect by tho General Government, of “absorption of revenue,” of “ taxing tho ‘ ‘ people and receiving nothing in return.” These, and similar cries, will bo used by tho provincialists, and they will not be without their effect on tho electors. When, therefore, Mr. Oarleton said that “ if tho appeal to the people wore “ made, tho change would bo more radi- “ cal and complete than Mr. Sheehan “ could anticipate, ” ho overlooked the effect of misrepresentations such as

we have referred to. On the whole, however, we agree with him in thinking that the country is ripe for a change. One thing must strike readers of the report in question as somewhat singular. Mr. Reader Wood, leader of the Executive, voted against the resolutions proposed by Mr. Sheehan, and said that he did not see how the resolution already carried could embarrass Sir George Grey, at the same time that he disclaimed any knowledge of the Superintendent s views on the question; on the other hand, Mr. Sheehan,declared that he had Sir George Grey’s authority for saying that “he “ regarded the decision of yesterday as “ a -disastrous prejudgment of a great “ public question,” and that “ the reso- “ lutions 1,2, and 3, were the express “ terms of Sir George Grey.” At that time, Mr. Sheehan had ceased to be a member of his Honor’s Executive, although Sir George Grey appears to have extended to' him a confidence he did not repose in his Treasurer, Mr. Reader Wood. If anything were wanting to show the anomalous position. Mr. Wood occupies in respect to the great constitutional question agitating the country, this circumstance would suffice for the purpose. Meanwhile, the public have now the whole facts before them, and can form their own opinion. The following are the resolutions which were carried by a majority of one, on the motion of Mr. Sheehan : “That the resolution arrived at on the motion No. 1, moved yesterday by Mr. Bagnall, be rescinded. (l.) That it is not desirable that any large constitutional changes should be made until the people of the colony have been fully informed of the details of the scheme of local self-government which is to be set up in place of the provincial forms of government, and have had ample time to consider the same. (2.) That such change should not be attempted to be made during the next session of Parliament, but should be dealt with by the next Parliament. (3.) That any such constitutional changes should apply te the whole colony, and not to any particular part thereof.”