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New Zealand Times, Volume XXX, Issue 4587, 2 December 1875, Page 2

Mr. Reynolds addressed the Dunedin constituency last night, as will be seen by our telegrams, and at the close of his speech a resolution expressing regret for his vote on the Abolition of Provinces Bill was carried by a large majority. This is certainly a result we' did not anticipate, arid demonstrates most r forcibly the strength of public feeling on the subject. Of the speech itself . we cannot form any very decided opinion, as it appears to have been more particularly addressed to his constituents than to the colony. At all events, it did not einbody any policy, if we except the novel proposal that the Legislative Council should be nominated frbm the Lower House. We cannot help thinking that this is a mistake on the part of the local reporter. It is incredible almost to imagine a Minister of the Crown, and, an old politician, making such a suggestion as this as a solution of the difficulty which the constitution of the Legislative Council undoubtedly presents. But there it stands recorded against Mr. Reynolds, and will probably be laid hold of by the Opposition as a ground of attack upon the Government. From the general tenor of Mr. Reynold’s address, one is forced to conclude that his adoption of the Abolition Bill was reluctantly done, and because he despaired of any good to the country from the provincial system. He is not thorough even now, one would think, as he candidly confesses that he still has hankerings after provincialism. On the main point, however, he is sound. The fiat has gone forth. Provincialism is a a thing of the past ; and the Dunedin electors would be foolish to elect any man pledged to its support. So far so well.; If Mr. Reynolds had stopped there he would not have committed an indiscretion ; but we think it was on his part, as a Minister of- the Crown,; to take the extremely hostile line he adopted when speaking of other sections of the colony. There is already suffi-; cient cause for jealous antipathies with-; out adding to it; and at this crisis we,; think it is the duty of a Minister to conciliate instead of irritating. _ Takirig the; speech as'a whole, it was intensely pro-; vincial in its tone. Mr. Reynolds might have taken a higher stand. His depart- ■ ments have been well managed, and he has made his mark in the Marine branch.; We therefore regret that we should have; a word to say in disparagement of what fell from him to his constituents. It is clear, however, that he will have his work: cut out for himself and friends at the; coming election. Mr. Wales did not address the meeting, as announced, probably because of the lateness of the hour. It is unlikely that he will fare any better 1 than Mr. Reynolds, his vote being open to the same objection. !