ANNEXATION OE SOUTHLAND TO OTAGO.

Southland Times, Volume III, Issue 216, 14 February 1866, Page 3

ANNEXATION OE SOUTHLAND TO OTAGO.

(to the editor or the southland times.) Sib,—Some time since I read in your journal an account of a debate in the Otago Provincial Council on the subject of the annexation of Southland, or as it was more pleasingly put, the re-union of both provinces. As an old resident in Southland, yet one who is unbiassed on the subject, will you permit me, Sir, to offer a few remarks on this question, as I believe it to be one of very great importance to the community. I shall, in doing so, endeavor to point out what I conceive to be the advantages and disadvantanges surrounding this subject. In the first place, I will assume that in the discussion of this question local jealousies, interested motives, and the like —in fact that all narrow-mindedness is laid aside, and that the question is one which in fairness should be discussed on its merits. One of the resolutions agreed to by the Otago Council was —" That the basis of such union should be the permanently appropriating to each Province its own land, revenue, subject only to the liquidation of the liabilities they have respectively contracted." Now, Sir, it appears to me that this may in reality mean that we should be handing over to Otago very considerable and solid assets in the shape of land, Customs revenue, and large railway works, which must soon become of a highly reproductive character, and in return, all moneys, &c, realised by the sale of lands in this part of Otago (assuming this province to be annexed) would be set apart, after deducting the expenses of Government, to pay our debts. On the other hand, it must be borne in mind that these very expenses would become much lighter—in fact, that a reduction to a very considerable extent would result. But, would not Otago be the gainer ? Then, again, it is also stated that the local revenue would be spent for local purposes. That is to say, I presume, that a municipality, with extended powers, would be established in Invercargill, which would have the expending of a certain sum in improvements annually, apart from the rates, &c:, which might be collected. This idea is no doubt a good one; but is it reasonable to suppose that a body like this would pay the same amount of attention to the general interests of the community—would deal so impartially, be so free from local prejudice, and command the same amount of respect as does the Provincial Council, however foolish that body may sometimes appear. It is questionable, to say the least of it. Certainly the idea of endowed municipalities is a good one. It is a desirable thing to have the wants of the outlying districts treated on the spot; it saves considerable expense; it engenders healthy action, and stimulates the energy of those who avail themselves of the benefits received. "But, then again, is not all the districts of this province represented in the Council—cannot grievances be redressed, local wants discussed in a much calmer spirit in the Council than by a Road Board or a corporation ? It may be fairly asked:—What do we gain by being annexed to Otago ? The privilege, as far as I can see, of contributing revenue to adorn the handsome City of Dunedin; of sending seven or eight members to the Provincial Council of Otago; of abolishing the right of direct dealing with the General Government upon questions of Provincial interest, and substituting the Superintendent and Government of Otago instead:—of looking to the wiseacres of the Otago Council as our law-givers, a body of men who are conspicuous for their bickerings and dissensions—who display a mixture of the Eed-Eepublican element, slightly tinged with the intolerant spirit of the Puritan. Are these the men who would be likely to act towards us in a spirit of fairness and justice ? Their past conduct does not certainly warrant such, a conclusion. It is natural, on the other hand, to enquire: —What would Otago gain by the annexation of Southland ? I will endeavor to supply an answer. The Middle Island would likely become financially separated from the jNorth, but"

y with a nominal Federal union ; tli V provinces of Nelson, and Marlboroug would be compelled to follow the exampl . set by Southland in destroying their ow existence, and the Middle Island woul s be divided into two provinces, or mor * correctly speaking, into two states, viz :— g Canterbury and Otago, both of whic 3 states or provinces, it is conceived, woul i command the home money market o: 3 their own terms, and on their own credi 3 raise funds sufficient to construct rail | ways, make roads, and carry on all sort x of schemes and' public undertakings, re lieving the Federal G-overnment of al i responsibility. ' The only possible way I can see t ; lead to a " re-union " of the tw< i provinces is for Otago to undo much tha i it has already done — to expunge thi i clause in the recent Land Act, altering ' the price of land to 10s. per acre — ai Act which has not yet received thi sanction of the Assembly. Let her d< this, and then come forward with somi tangible scheme mutually fair an< workable — such, for instance, as engaging beyond the possibility of evasion, to pa] Southland's debts with united Province! debentures, redeemable in twenty years instead of two as at present, and that al the land revenue — less interest anc sinking fund— be expended in this province ; guarantee a line of railway t( the Mataura and the Lake; and agree to hold sessions of Council in Invercargil alternately with Dunedin. If Otagc will propose a scheme formed upon some . such basis as this, I for one should take it into serious consideration. I am, Sir, your's truiy, An Old Resident. Waikivi, 12th Feb., 18G6.