Untitled

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXII, Issue 5015, 20 April 1877, Page 2

As the middle of the year approaches we hear notes of alarm at the approaching strife in the St. Stephens of New Zealand. From Auckland and Otago come obscure references to the future, and dark hints generally as to what the next session may be expected to bring forth. A voice above the ordinary whisper tells us that Separation is to be tho trump card of the Opposition, or the association of members that claims to bo an Opposition. If such be the case wo regret it, for the result of the movement can only be a grievous waste of time at a period of the colony’s history when carefully thought-out dispassionate legislation is absolutely necessary. For the past two years politics have been in SAich a state of turmoil that many subjects, if less large than those Avhich have occupied attention, still of vital importance to the community, have been given the go-by, and the late changes have added many to this list of subjects for practical legislation. Education, land, charitable, and many other economical and social problems press for a solution, and earnestly is it to be hoped that the General Assembly Avill turn its attention to them in preference to vaporings on constitutional questions. If there be a Avell organised Opposition, desirous of trying strength with the Government, let tho attempt be made in a fair and legitimate manner. If the country will not give tho Opposition office, at least it AvillrespectaudAvelcorae the formation, for, as tho Canterbury Press very terselj r and impartially puts it: —“ All Governments are liable to make mistakes. ' Even where they perceive correctly Avhat is the thing to he done, the measure which they propose for accomplishing it may be unAvise in its conception or inadequate in detail. And again, Avhere a Government is not kept in check, it is excedingly apt to give Avay to more serious errors. A general laxity of administration, and a forgetfulness of the high principle which ought to be apparent in every department of the public service, Avill almost inevitably follow.” But there is a great difference between an Opposition and a set of obstructionists, such as insulted and degraded Parliamentary institutions last session. A conclave of Adullamites, bound together only by tho sympathy of personal hatred against Ministers or individual supporters, can never discharge the functions of an Opposition, and the species of guerilla warfare of the past tAvo or three years is a shameful Avaste of tho public time.