New Zealand Times (PUBLISHED DAILY.) THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 1877.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXII, Issue 5146, 20 September 1877, Page 2

New Zealand Times (PUBLISHED DAILY.) THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 1877.

After all, the Government do not seem to be in the danger which has been so long predicted for them, and more than that, a desire appears to exist to give their measures fair consideration. It is a pity that this state of things has been so long in coming about; but of course if the Opposition chose to delay its advent, their obstructiveness might be deplored, but could not very well have been prevented. It may now, however, be worth while asking them what they have gained 1 Certainly nothing tangible in connection with their professed views. The Government have given way upon one point, and have consented to adopt a new financial policy next year ; but in neither case have the Opposition assisted. The Native Land Sales Bill was withdrawn in consequence of the wish expressed by Government supporters, and embodied, in fact, in a direct motion by one of them. The Government have determined to alter the incidence of taxation next year, in consequence of a resolution proposed by a member who has consistently voted and who consistently votes with them, and at present, as wo have said, their measures seem to meet with acceptance. The Education Bill has been amended in right directions. The removal of the religious clauses makes the measure what it should be—purely secular ; whilst in other respects the alterations effected cannot but conduce to its good working. The general approval given to the Districts Railways Bill is evidence that it will meet with no opposition on its merits. Of the Waste Lands Bill we have already expressed our opinion, and that opinion has been generally endorsed. 1 We may then, in all fairness, ask Sir ; George Grey and his following, and the disjecta membra of tho Opposition represented by Messrs. Gisborne, Travers, and others, cui bono ? Wo may say to these gentlemen, you have carped, talked, and obstructed throughout the session, arid now

what good have you effected 1 .After many weeks we find the carefully prepared and, well-considered measures of the Government received with- general accord;' •, Those..,measures were ft nought .down at .the earliest pbssiole periodXaud jyetit.took yqUj-aJI this .'time ..to find- out th'eir Value; or'-if the weeks that have passed were not devoted to ascertaining their value, but were purposely, made'a' mere progress of personalities, what, have you gained by your exertions 1.. These ’ are questions which the. .Opposition must face. It is not too much too say that, assisted by the peculiar oratory of gentlemen of the Rees, Hislop, and DeLaxjtoxjr type, they have since the session commenced succeeded in giving to the debates of Parliament a seasoning of general personality, acrimony, and impertinence which they never knew before. The experience of the two sessions that had passed since Sir George Grey first entered the House was quite bad enough. His example and encouragement have produced for him able assistants, and the results as shown this session are not matters to be proud of. Whilst utterly unable to get a following in Parliament that would entitle him to take a foremost place as a party leader, he has attracted to his side some half dozen or so of members who seem to glory in endeavoring to surpasstheir leader in powers of personal abuse. He was the first to make it common in the New Zealand Parliament to hear accusations of the most degrading and untrue nature freely used. He has now quite a group of imitators. He and his following, assisted by gentlemen of the Gisborne type, who merely want office and will throw themselves in with any party that can offer it to them, have been the direct cause of the condition of affairs to which we alluded above. They have had no coherence amongst themselves, they have never faced the Government on a definite issue ; in fact, they have consistently avoided raising a definite issue as between themselves and the Ministry. They have occupied the time of the country hitherto by making . personal attacks on the members of the Cabinet and on Government supporters by harassing, annoying, and obstructing in every possible manner that would avoid a party tight, but would at the same time damage the Government; and by this means they have completely wasted two months, and have only at this moment permitted the business of the country to proceed. And even now, though we not believe that a vote of want of confidence will be forthcoming, there are not wanting plenty of threats that it will make its appearance. Looking at what has been done, we may for their own sakes point out to the Opposition that their policy hitherto has not tended to do them good, and that mere threats of a vote of want of confidence will not better the chances of being able to bring it forward with success.