The New Zealand Times (PUBLISHED DAILY.) FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 1877.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXII, Issue 5208, 30 November 1877, Page 2

The New Zealand Times (PUBLISHED DAILY.) FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 1877.

The Rev. Dr. Wallis in Auckland has attained to fame. In the House he was respectable and weak, but on the stump he can roar, like Bottom, so as to make the Premier say, ‘ ‘ Let him roar againlet him roar again.” Dickens tells a story of a citizen from Delaware, whom he encountered on his visit to the Look-ing-glass Prairie, the formula of whose party creed was ‘ ‘ Somebody for ever, blast everybody else.” Dr. Wallis’ new shibboleth may bo Grey for ever, with an added benediction for the rest. Three groans for the Governor followed the exhortation of the rev. gentleman on the public occasion to which we refer, and corresponding cheers for his Excellency’s responsible adviser showed the discriminating loyalty of the meeting. We should be sorry to believe that the respectability and intelligence of the city of Auckland were represented in that assembly, or that it was anything but a gathering of the well-known “party” for a special occasion. Dr. Wallis’s calculation, that every fourth man in the House of Representatives is a trimmer and a rogue, is very curious. As he had opportunities of observing and of judging of one side at least in a time of great excitement, this testimony of his experience may not be wholly disregarded. The reverend gentleman’s inference was that a dissolution was the only remedy for the evil which he had discovered. It is curious, but it may be only an accidental coincidence, if it be true, that Sir George Grey holds similar views. It is said thp-t the Premier has not ceased to urge upon the Governor his demand for a dissolution of the Assembly ; and if so, it is worthy of note that these operations have been concealed from the knowledge of the House of Representatives, still in session, and apparently also even from most of the members who constitute the Ministerial supporters, and whose personal interests may be affected or compromised thereby. It is not complimentary to Mr. Reynolds or to Mr. Carrington and the others who help to keep Sir George Grey and the Hon. Mr. Fisher in office, and it cannot be agreeable for them to know that as they have not secured the confidence of the Rev. Dr. Wallis and those for whom they have made a sacrifice, they are to be sent back to their constituents if possible without delay. This is what Mrs. Gamp, in complaining of her frequent partner, Betsy Prig, called “bage” ingratitude, and wo do not like it. Ministers have, we believe, a possible majority of one or thereabouts at this moment. They are meeting with no opposition except that which they find amongst themselves and their supporters. Supplyis being granted without question or stint. On the only points in which their policy differs from that of their predecessors—namely, the reduction of members’ salaries and the making the Land Fund colonial revenue, they have not been and will not be resisted. Upon what constitutional ground can a demand for an immediate dissolution be based and maintained? There are many and cogent reasons why a dissolution ought not at this moment to be granted. There is no question of large public interest to go to the country for decision. The merely personal question whether Sir George Grey and' Mr. Fisher are to be our rulers for the. present appears to be surrendered, and all that members now desire is to be permitted to go Home at once. During the recess, in the repose of Kawau, a happy thought may biing a great policy ; it can be built up before next session, and revealed when Parliament meets in June. In the meanwhile the census will have been taken ; we shall know what changes time has made in the conditions of tho several electorates in regard to population and settlement, and how representation should be distributed so as to make tho House of Representatives a true reflex of the popular will. If there be then any policy greater than Ministerial cheeseparing and tho taking of the Land Fund toplace before the country something like a reliable expression of opinion may be had upon- it. Until that time the people ’ will hot unseasonably require Sir Georob Grey to show that he is an active and judicious administrator, as well ns a party orator. Careful official work is more necessary for Now Zealand than claptrap and startling novelties. They will, moreover, have time to compare his words with his acts, and apply the touchstone of results to the reckless

assertions and ..wild promises of the past. The House is' doing well to let the Premier'alone ; it is precisely that'kind of treatment which he .does not desire, but if ■it be true and can be ascertained that he lias been secretly undermining them with a view to their premature dissolution, a word in season may set that matter right.