MONTHLY SUMMARY FOR EUROPE.

Southland Times, Volume III, Issue 203, 17 January 1866, Page 2

MONTHLY SUMMARY FOR EUROPE.

POLITICAL— G-ENERAL. But little of importance has to be recorded. The General Assembly having been dissolved we are considerably in the dark as to the doings of the Government. The general election is close at hand, and the popular card is Separation. This has long been felt to be a necessity by a large number of the colonists of the principal Provinces of both Islands ; but the great . difficulty has been the terms upon which Separation could be obtained with justice to. all — how the complicated difficulties which have arisen from a double Groernnient could be overcome. The question has at length approached the amicable arrangement point, and Canterbury has declared in its favor; Auckland endorses the views of Otago and Southland, viz.: — that a Financial Separaton, at least is imperative. Under these circumstances, there can be no doubt a great change in the mode of governing New Zealand will take place. The North and the South desire it, and the small midway Provinces are to weak to prevent its consummation. The war is not ended ; but the rebellious demonstration of the aborigines are " growing smaller by degrees and beautifully less," the immense number of rebels who have given up their arms and sworn allegiance to the Crown points to the speedy termination of one of the most vexatious, expensive, and prolonged conflicts which any colony has ever been called upon to conduct. The war once at an end, and the Government of the country adjusted with wisdom and equity, New Zealand will assume a foremost place in the ranks of British dependencies. The Stafford Ministry have not, as far as is known, done any act of a decided character, such as would forfeit the confidence of the Assembly or court. The affections of the people — hitherto it has been a negative policy, or let things quietly take their course — they like the Emperor of the French " fly kites, to see which way the wind blows" the next session of the Assembly is looked forward to with intense interest throughout the whole colony — it will be the most important session ever held. A movement has been initiated in Otago to obtain a re-union with Southland. Whatever may take place in future, Southland is not disposed to allow itself to be absorbed at present — let the Separation question be once settled, and then we may seriously entertain any just overtures which may be offered to us. The election for the General Assembly will take place in a few weeks, and candidates lor election are beginning to appear on the political Btage. The eneuing month will be one of more than usual excitement.