The Patea Mail. Published Wednesdays and Saturdays WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 18, 1875.

Patea Mail, Volume 1, Issue 37, 18 August 1875, Page 2

The Patea Mail. Published Wednesdays and Saturdays WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 18, 1875.

The Bill for the Abolition of Provinces, which has been before the House for the last fortnight, is proving a most unpalatable measure to the tastes of the Provincial party, and is daily arousing the voices of the different constituencies throughout both islands of New Zealand, eachmeetingpronoimeingan almost unanimous verdict in favour of the. Bills brought down by the Government. At the present season, it would he idle in the extreme for the most devout advocate of Provincialism to review the good that these moribund institutions have effected in years gone by, so strong is the prejudice of the electors against their continuance, but there can be no denying that their labours have had a great colonising influence in these distant parts. The, electors of Paten, anxious to contribute its nail to the coffin btat is to bury Provincialism, pronounced its verdict in no mistaken sound, at the public meeting bold on Friday evening’ last; but the attendance was not so large as the importance of the object demanded. However, the advocacy of each successive speaker for the speedy extinction of Provincialism, clearly proved that the electors of this constituency were at least united on this great queslion. There is not the slightest doubt hut that a fierce struggle will be exercised by the Opposition, to prevent the Bill having force without an appeal to the country. Indeed its leader (Sir George Grey) has gone so far as' to say that every constitutional means will bo brought to bear against the passing of tin; Bill this session. This means that if the Opposition he. driven to the very last straits, and are determined on ottering resistance, they can, if they choose, divide on every word of every section ; they can speak against time, but such diplomacy, if carried out, will certainly not improve their chances for re-election with their respective constituencies, and will recoil on those who take advantage of such unconstitutional usages. This course of action might have been expected from members of the d. creed institutions, but in experience statesmen like Messrs Fitzlicrbert, Grey, Bunny, &c., it is ns extraordinary as it is unexpected, and it is indeed to bo regretted that such men of undoubted ability and experience would not direct their efforts to some more useful purpose than initiating their blind followers into these miserable Parliamentary tactics, and it is indeed evident that these old general? are actuated in their opposition to the. passing of the measure from purely selfish motives ; but if this course of action lias been determined on, nothing that can bo said or written will in the slightest degree prevent its being carried out. The electors, however, may in no way be alarmed at the ultimate result of the obstruction now being offered to the measures which will bring about the destruction of Provincial institutions, for the most that Sir George Grey and his party can effect, will bo to prolong the agony until the general election, when the electors will have the core in their own hands, and if only true to themselves, will reject those candidates who are bold enough to fly Provincial colours, and those who are now obstructing the passage of the Bills which provide that boon so long craved for by outlying districts—viz., local government. The Act provides that districts may be united and boundaries altered on petition ; also that two or more adjoining districts may by the same means become amalgamated. This will give the people power to unite as many districts as might bo considered advantageous. The clauses embodying the privilege are certainly most important to the people of Patca, who have long suffered from the anomalous position, and wc presume should no untoward circumstances intervene, that the first business of the residents of Carlyle, Whehnaknra, and Wa'roa will be the obliteration of the lino drawn years ago. It may bo thought by many that we arc premature in offering this suggestion while the carrying of the Bill is still in doubt, but by a private letter which has been kindly shown to us, we learn that the passing of the measures that involve tins great change, may be considered as almost certain. The reasons assigned being that two-thirds of the

Assembly dure not-vote against a reform so generally demandod\by the popular voice at the eve of a dissolution, and afterwards face their. constihichfs with the slightest hope of being re-elected. Wo do not go to the extent in saying that the proposed measures will bring about an immediate improvement in the local government of the people, as we are of opinion that some time will have to elapse, and many amendments made in the Hill before its real intentions are brought about, but it is generally conceded that during its tentative operations that it cannot possibly be a worse form of Government than that which it is destined to supersede.

The Good Templars will hold an open lodge meeting - . to-morrow evening at the Immigration Barracks. Doors will be open at half-past seven o’clock, and the admission will be free.