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South Canterbury Times, Issue 2768, 6 February 1882, Page 2

Despite the strong expressions of public opinion to the contrary, it appears that Government have further postponed the assembling of the new Parliament. We are informed, by the Ministerially inspired organs' that “ Parliament has been prorogued till April 4, and there is no likelihood of the meeting taking place before May.’’ No reason is given for this postponement, and the only reasonable inferr ence to be drawn is that Ministers are afraid their tenure of office will: be so uncertain after the peoples’ representatives meet together, that they are determined at all hazards to retain the Government. portfolios as long as they can.' A deputation of Opposition members waited on the Premier at Auckland on Saturday for—as we are informed by the Press Association —“ the purpose of urging on him the desirability of deferring the leasing of the Otago runs till after the meeting of Parliainent, and, if necessary, the calling together of Parliament immediately.” The Premier, in usual stereo-typed-form, promised to submit the application to his colleagues and, obtain for it every consideration, but he demurred to the necessity for the adoption of such a course as that suggested by the deputation.; He is reported to have said that “ If the system had been found objec-, tionable, ample time had been offered during the past four years to have it amended, and even now the Govern-; ment had power to determine the leases' on giving a year’s notice.” We do not dispute that the Government had power to amend it during thepast four years, but we ask why did! they not attempt to amend the law, relating to the disposal of these runs during their term of office? The words “four years” were of course used by Mr Hall in order to make it appear that the previous Government should, during their term of office, have sought for an amendment in the manner of disposing of the runs. The answer to this is, that before the Hall Administration came into existence there was no necessity to move for an amendment of the law relating to the leasing of the runs. The Premier says a year’s notice to determine the , leases may now be given,; but he carefully does not give; that notice. The fact of the; matter is that the present Government is what is, commonly known as a “ Squalling Government ” —they are the friends of the large landholders, and their policy from first to last! has been to do. everything they can to specially protect the interests of the latter class. They are masters of the situation at present, but the day of reckoning will come, rip matter how long they defer it. The voice of the people will yet be heard through its representatives, and the public estate will be made the most of.

The sooner the better for the colony. Meantime .we .can ourselves; on: the fact that the members for Sohth| Cantefburijr have been among !the fbremoat to raove in the matter of the. disposal of;tHe Otago runs, and to ask the Government to call Parliament together ac an earlier date than they purpose doing.