THE STANDARD. WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 6, 1873.

Poverty Bay Standard, Volume I, Issue 76, 6 August 1873, Page 2

THE STANDARD.

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 6, 1873.

“ We shall sell to no man justice or right: We shall deny to no man justice or right: We shall defer to no man justice or right.”

The New Zealand Steam Ship Company’s new boat Manawatu, which was recently launched from Messrs. Nicol’s yard at the North Shore, arrived on Sunday morning last from Auckland after a long tedious passage of six days. She brings several passengers, among whom are Judge Munro and Judge Bogan, but no news of any startling importance. In Parliament matters are proceeding at a jog trot pace; members are going away for two or three weeks at a time, on

“ urgent private business ; ” Mr. Stafford is reported to be too ill to attend in his place ; and Messrs. Gillies and Wood have modestly declared that they, representing the opposition, mean no harm. There are a few items of interest to this District which will be found in another column.

There is, however, one move being made which should make those —who, with ourselves, are looking forward to the time when Provincial institutions will be swept away —cast about for a means of escape. Otago, Wellington, and Auckland are each applying to Parliament for power to raise rather heavy loans. It is also proposed to erect Westland into a province, in the teeth of past experience as to the absurdity of multiplying the number of our Lilliputian Parliaments. Mr. Fox intends to oppose the Wellington loan; but he can have little hope, with all the log-rolling influence necessary to successfully oppose or advocate any political cause now-a-days, of securing a larger following than may be represented by the Wanganui and Wairarapa separatists. Auckland helps Otago ; Otago stands by Auckland ; Wellington divides her influence between the two; they both assist Wellington and the job is done. Half a million of money is required, and it shall be got, the opposing interests notwithstanding ; such being the state of political ethics, or necessities, amongst parties who have means to attain an end. No man knows this more than the ex-Premier; but a strenuous opposition from him, even if he goes into the lobby alone, will give outsiders on opportunity of judging the merits of each case. So far as the two former provinces are concerned —especially Otago—with good territorial revenues, they may be in a position to shew cause why they should be allowed the luxury of improving or adding to that which they already have ; but the principle of borrowing is going on to such an alarming extent that the small loans — which, from political exigencies have had to be consolidated into Colonial Stock, — are being replaced by big loans, and ere long, other “ consolidations ” will have to be made for the political salvation of the most needy. And what does that mean in plain language ? The consolidation of New Zealand finance is represented by a man with an established credit abroad and a good income at home, but clogged and fettered with some halfdozen prodigal sons who possess neither. They, one after another, become so straitened that the fond parent gathers unto himself the indebtedness of them all—mortgages his ow’n substance by contracting stupendous loans on debentures payable during several decades, and gives them a clean sheet on condition that they in their turn tax their future income for his benefit unto the third and fourth generation. Let these loans be assented to by the House, and the Provinces may rejoice in a political existence until the next “ consolidation ” is rendered necessary to save the credit of the Colony. Now this is the time for us to speak out. This is the opportunity for districts which, like Poverty Bay, are denied what is their due; districts which do not receive a fair share of these loans, but have to contribute the extra taxation imposed by the raising of money laid out on works in a common centre, and from which they receive no benefit whatever.

But in bringing this matter nearer home, let us reflect seriously on our position with respect to the loan proposed by our own province. The opponents of financial separation say we are “ prema- “ ture in our action. Let us wait until “Auckland has got the loan, and if, “ on being directly represented in the “ Provincial Council, we cannot get any, “ or enough of it, then let us separate!” Last week the attention of the settlers was drawn to a fable in which King Stork and Jupiter played a prominent part ; but we are reminded of another forcible illustration, which places those who halt between two opinions, in the position we are told the ass occupied between two bundles of hay. Can any sane man believe that if we cannot sue for separation now, we can demand it in a year or two hence, with an additional incubus of £150,000 or £200,000? And if we can, cui bono ? What good will have resulted to this district in the meantime, even supposing we do get an equivalent of revenue raised in it. That we shall obtain a reasonable share of the loan, let those who believe it refer to past experience in the allocation of loans. Let

them go back to the partition of the Wellington province, and the causes that determined the province of Hawke’s Bay. Let them look at Wanganui and Wairarapa; and the pittance of £5,000 promised to the former district out of the £210,000 about to be borrowed by Wellington! And what sum are we likely to get from the Auckland loan ? The Provincial Government, and its supporters say, “we want the money for public works, and for purposes of permanent settlemerit.” Yes ! indeed ; for the purpose of “ permanently settling ” any chance we may now have of casting off the yoke of bondage. Loans and revenue from the foundation of this Colony,—and more particularly since the introduction of this contemptible system of small “ responsible governments ” — have never been applied to the circumferences of Provinces. Outlying districts have never received even a reasonable amount of consideration at the hands of the governing power, and that is their chronic 'Complaint—it is ours, and we shall rue the procrastinating advice of those who may, nevertheless, be very sincere in giving it. Now let us look to the grounds on which the Daily Southern Cross, — the Provincial Government advocate—takes its stand in defence of the loan. After using language admirably adapted to our case, and complaining of being left out in the cold, &c', it says:—•“ Our sources “ of revenue, beyond what is barely suffi- “ cient to defray the cost of the necessary “ departments, are nearly all dried up, so “ that for active colonising purposes, it “ may be said, the province of Auckland “is now at a standstill. * * * “ are greatly in need of extended Gaol, “ Hospital, and Lunatic Asylum accommo- “ dation, both in Auckland and on the “ Goldfields." So, because their “ sources “of revenue are nearly all dried up,” we are to be condemned to the perpetual partnership in a concern that has no income, and which is “ greatly in need ” of extended accommodation for its prisoners, invalids, and lunatics ! And further :— “ The province really has not “ the means, at present, to prosecute “ these necessary services. And we sug- “ gest that a loan of £150,000 or £200,000 “be asked for the use of this province “ from the General Assembly during the “ present session. The Colony can take “ a guarantee that the money shall be “ judiciously and economically expended." Can it indeed! And readily en ough given, we dare say; but it is our duty to see how we are mixed up in that guarantee, and how far our revenues are hypothecated to sustain it.