THE GOVERNMENT MEASURES.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXX, Issue 4486, 5 August 1875, Page 2

THE GOVERNMENT MEASURES.

OPINIONS OE THE PRESS. (SPECIAL TELEGRAPHIC CORRESPONDENCE.) Auckland, Wednesday. The Cross views the Public Works Statement as an unexpected proof of the profitable character of public works when all shall have been completed. The Herald wants to know why the Auckland capitation money was stopped by the Audit department, when the Onehunga line yielded a profit of £2119 during the year. Rc abolition the Herald considers that the boldness of the Government in announcing their views so fully will largely disarm opposition. It disapproves of the Government plan, and advocates separation of the two Islands, and the creation of two independent governments, each having its own revenue at its own absolute disposal. It suggests that laud sales be abolished altogether, and the land laws framed solely for encouragement to hona fide settlement, letting each province bear its own burdens, govern itself as cheaply or extravagantly as it likes, and raise its own revenue as its people wish. It advocates the reform of both Houses, electoral laws and electoral arrangements, but 'makes no specific suggestion regarding such reforms. Grahamstown, Wednesday.

Referring to the public meeting on abolition, the Advertiser says The Theatre was filled by a crowd of enthusiastic supporters of the scheme, and not a single hand was held up against the first resolution, which ‘cordially and heartily’ approved of the measures, and asked Government to press the Bills through the Assembly as soon as possible, despite all opposition.” Sir George Grey forwarded a telegram from Wellington ' to the Mayor, which was read to the meeting, warning the people _of the Thames to pause before committing themselves, “ as more liberal measures ” would be proposed, but Mr. Rowe very properly pointed out that such a promise coming from the provincial side of the House, was not very tx-ustworthy, as they were bound to remain true to their principles and instincts, and could scarcely be expected to give the same liberal powers of self-government that the Ministry Ixad offered. A second resolution was proposed for the purpose of forming a committee to watch the progress of the Bills through the Assembly, and to see that the opposition to them does not deprive the people of the most valuable provisions; but the meeting was inclined to resent this proposal, as they thought it looked like intei'ference with Government. On being put the first time, the Mayor could not decide whether the motion was adopted, and had to call for a second show of hands, when it was passed by a small majority. Mr, Bagnall, in his speech, pointed out that the progx'amme of Sir George Grey and the Opposition was asserted to be the creation of four colonies, which he strongly objected to. Mr. Carpenter explained why he had fonnerly opposed abolition, because it was partial, and that the cause was now removed. One of the speakers, Mr. Gibbons, was very enthusiastic, and refei'red to the scheme as worthy of a Pitt, and declared that it would hereafter be known as the Magna Oharta of New Zealand, The result of the meeting ought to be vex-y gi'atifying to the Government. Dunedin, Wednesday. Both the morning papex-s have leaders on the abolition proposals. The Times says, when a measure of this important ohai’acter comes to be looked upon as a disintegrant factor in parties, and when one Government supporter decides upon going into opposition because he thinks the whole matter should be postponed, another thinks the land revenue is too much localised, another that centralisation of land fund is looming in the distance, another thinks that the municipalities will get too much, while yet another opposes for a contrax-y reason that there is no pi-obability of endowment being continued, the doom of the Bill is settled for this session. With all its many virtues “ we must acknowledge that it contains a great many different things, which from a great variety of different causes are likely to cause tierce opposition. We never yet heard of a measure of similar importance being passed in a moi'ibund Parliament.” The article concludes thus;—“The Bill for abolishing the provinces is one of such overwhelming interest that it requires thorough and searching discussion, and there is every sign that such discussion will ensue.” The Guardian says ;—“ We trust the Government will unflinchingly adhere to their determination to pass the measures in spite of all a factious Opposition or a few inconsistent newspaper's can do or say, and they will earn the gratitude of a people too long made the sport and puppets of self-seeking and unscrupulous men. If ever we require a strong and determined Government, it is in such a crisis as this.”