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New Zealand Times, Volume XXX, Issue 4450, 24 June 1875, Page 2

The Provincial Councils of Hawke’s Bay and Taranaki are in session. The circumstances of these provinces are dissimilar. The Eastern province is prosperous ; it has always been a prosperous district. The Western province is in difficulties ; it has always been in difficulties. Of the two, Taranaki has the greater natural advantages ; but it has been kept back by reason of Native wars, and the consequent insecurity of life and property. But Hawke’s Bay had large tracts of open country, which wore taken up for pastoral purposes, and the rents the native owners received, tended greatly to conserve their loyalty to the Crown, and accelerate the progress of civilization. Although Hawke’s Bay has not been exempt from war, it has, for the reason stated, been quite free from the strong race antipathies which circumstances created in Taranaki. There has always been a good feeling subsisting between the two races in Ahuriri. Hence the district suffered comparatively little from the disturbances of lateyears. Added to this is the not unimportant fact that the Provincial Government of Hawke s Bay has always been vigorous, enterprising, and progressive. Hence it happens that Mr. Ormond had a different story to tell his Council from that which Mr. Carrington told his. The Supemir. tendent of Hawke’s Bay spoke only of progress ; the Superintendent of Taranaki hoped all things for the future, but had little to say of the past. It was barren of great results, and the immediate outlook was by no means cheering. Even Mr. Carrington has had his suspicions aroused on the all-important question of the payment of money by the Colonial Government the province, and he has clearly intimated his opinion that the Executive are not going to carry out in its integrity his “ understanding ” with the Premier. This is the 'last straw which must surely overwhelm the Government. Their sheet-anchor in the North is is gone. Mr. Ormond only does not complain of the General Government. Everything has gone smooth'y under his guidance. The monthly receipts on the Napier and Paki-Pald railway are ‘ ‘ larger, up to the present time, than on “ any other line in the island. _ This “ fact,” continued Mr. Ormond, in his opening speech to his Council, “is evi- “ dence of the wealth of the community; and he naturally anticipated greater results when the Seventy-mile Bush was tapped by the railway. The New Plymouth and Waitara line is not open for traffic, but until it forms a section of a trunk line we fear it will take rank among the non-paying railways. It certainly does not promise well as it stands at present, but with Mr. Carrington, we hope for the best. The Superintendent of Hawke’s Bay “ pointed with satisfaction to the progress “ made during the past year, and the “ very prosperous condition of the pro- “ vince.” Population and trade had increased, the area of improved land had been considerably enlarged, the Customs revenue was largely in excess of previous years, and contrasted favorably with other parts of the colony, the deferred payment system of settlement was successful, important public works had been carried but, the Gough Island reclamation had been ’ accomplished, thus providing increased wharfage accommodation, and steps had been taken to ascertain how the--harbor could bo improved. Above all, the school system was working well; and Superintendent Ormond recommended that the cost of education should be defrayed out of general revenue during the year, thus avoiding having resort to the rating clause of the Education Act. His Honor also expressed the following opinion on the education question, with which we most cordially concur. He said : “I venture to express my hope “ that the force of public opinion will, “ before long, necessitate the education “ question being dealt with by the Gene- “ ral Assembly on a uniform system, the ( ‘ cost of‘ which will be defrayed out of “ colonial revenue.” We -trust Mr. Ormond will take the initiative on this subject next session. We perceive, by telegram, that a no confidence motion was discussed and rejected by the Taranaki Council. The Kelly Executive are therefore safe. The same Legislative body are discussing the propriety of abolishing themselves. May they accept the “happy despatch” as a message of mercy, and put themselves out of the way of a lingering death politically. Mr. Ormond has no trouble that way. He has no Executive, and the work is therefore well and promptly done. But Taranaki, which has neither revenue nor the means of acquiring; it, must needs play at “responsible govern- “ ment.” Touching the abolition resolutions, Mr.’ Ormond expressed himself in favor of total abolition, which ho had little doubt would be the course adopted. On the whole, we are gratified that Mr. Ormond has been able to- show such a. satisfactory picture of his province, at perhaps its. last stage of separate political existence.