MANUTAHI.

Patea Mail, Volume IV, Issue 361, 2 October 1878, Page 2

MANUTAHI.

(from a correspondent). September 30. Thursday evening our Society held the last debate for season. Mr Lee in the chair. The question contended with was “Comparative virtues and vices of limited Monarchy and Republicanism.” Great Britain and America chiefly referred to as exemplifying the respective systems. Mr Dawson, in opening, compared apparent results socially and morally. In England liberty did not degenerate into license.- Referred to very different way in which law and justice administered in America. Condemned practice of replacing civil servants when a change of power took place. It caused great deal of corruption, as public servants knowing they might

only retain office for four years—made hay while the sun shone. Quoted from a leading American paper to show views held by intelligent minds in America with reference to England’s action re late European crisis as a result of the power of Monarchy. In conclusion, believed tall trouble impending in America, the true remedy for which would be to select a good family as head of the State, thus obviating the expense, corruption, and party strife attending Presidential elections; In time a true aristocracy would gather round this head, and the governing power pass into the hands of a class which at present takes little or no part in politics. State administration would be purified generally, wholesale swindling punished and prevented. Farmers would have better times, and tbe masses of unemployed, if settled on land, would come to use instead of destroying labor saving machinery, &c., as at present. Mr John Ginger, speaking on the same side, said people could not respect a head drawn from among themselves, of whom comparatively few could know anything except by hearsay, and who could scarcely expect to remain in power long enough to gain that respect. Strongly supported Mr Dawson.

Owing to unfortunate absence of Messrs Tregear and Steuart, the opposition unexpectedly devolved on Messrs Guthrie and D. Ginger. Mr Guthrie referred to present state of France as a sample of what a republic could do. Also referred to Switzerland. Attributed lawlessness in America, to its being the receptacle for the scum of all nations. Contended that under a republic, people had more liberty, and the best men had better chance of coming to the front. In England, the masses plodded along without aspirations to anything like improvement. Alluded to the corruption in some departments of British Government.

Mr D. Ginger considered the comparison of England and America scarcely fair, owing co the much greater extent of territory to be governed in America. Chief objection to monarchy was the great, expense of keeping up a large royal family. Would not bo bad if said family could be curtailed in some way. On being put to the vote, Limited Monarchy was carried by the casting vote of the chairman.

Quadrille assembly on Thursday, 3: cl October, to be the last of the season, and the committee are making special efforts to render it a success.

A slight shock of earthquake was felt here at 7 a.m. this morning.