WHAT IS THE GAIN OR LOSS?

Patea Mail, Volume IV, Issue 375, 20 November 1878, Page 2

WHAT IS THE GAIN OR LOSS?

According to the Taranaki Herald, the lesidents in that Provincial District were never violently in love with provincialism, and when Abolition was proposed, Taranaki, and more especially New Plymouth, was indifferent as to the result. Our contemporary mentions that when Provincial Governments ruled, there was a great out-cry from out-districts for “justice,” hut points out that what was meant by “justice” was never clearly defined. It was, in times past, believed that the abolition of provincialism would be the first step, towards the righting of the wrongs of the out-districts. It then goes on to say—“ It may savor of selfishness, but it would be an interesting enquiry to ascertain whether this Taranaki (of course we mean the Provincial District) has come out all right; whether in looking coldly on,, while the bow string was applied, any material advantages have accrued in the shape of ‘justice.’ In taking a cursory glance around with the view of an approximate summing up, we may premise, that the Colony owed a great deal to Taranaki, on account of making it the battle ground of the Colony; and also that the geographical position of New Plymouth plainly indicated that a harbour of national importance ought to be constructed here ; nor must it be forgotten that the natural features of the country were so arranged that the main line of railway from Auckland to Wellington must pass through this district. Ou the other hand the Provincial debt was small, the waste lands, confiscated and otherwise, were, to a certain extent, an orange that had not been squeezed, an oyster whose internal arrangements had not been rudely eviscerated. But we are afraid that, notwithstanding the railway is almost an accomplished fact, that the legislature has recognised the necessity of a Colonial harbour, by appropriating 25 per cent, of the land revenue for its construction, and that a local expenditure of 25 per cent, of the balance is made for roads and bridges, that the Colony will, on the whole, get the best ol the transaction. However, it is of no use crying over spilt milk, especially as we perceive onr representatives have insisted that justice shall be done Taranaki. Their task, However, must have been comparatively an easy one, as the Colony no doubt recognised the magnificent district this will become when properly opened up at colonial cost. The Mountain Road is to be proceeded with by being gravelled. Bush roads to and through new.blocks are to be felled, bridged, and culverted. The main line of Railway to Auckland is to be explored, and the best route ascertained. That portion of it between Inglewood and Wanganui is to be constructed, as far as £ 150,000 will do it,

during;, the- current year, after meeting . past liabilities; 'A branch line is to’'be made from the* Mountain Road in the direction of Opitnake. This will absorb 15 of the, 20 per cent, appropriated to the Patea County, oat of the sales of the Wairaate plains ; but as the money -will - be spent in the most beneficial manner in the district where it is raised, no one' can object to this except some outsiders, who hoped to secure some of the money tor expenditure in far away districts. And last, but not least, the harbour fund is placed by statue beyond the possibility of danger. We must confess after all that notwithstanding our previous doubts, Providence has been specially good to ns during the past session, and if it were not for the fact that the money is not yet expended, we would offer a kind of preliminary thanks for the benefits we are about to jeeei ve; but, as a general rule we think it is more judicious in these worldly affairs, especially ; political ones, to offer up thanks after the blessings have actually been bestowed In enumerating the . material benefits in the shape of votes of ' filthy lucre, we. had almost forgotten one thing of mere social moment—th/ife is the High School Bill introduced by ■ Mr Kfilly. It is possible its effects' may ” be felt when more material benefits will ■ be forgotten.”