The Southland Times. FRIDAY, AUGUST 31, 1868.

Southland Times, Issue 551, 31 August 1866, Page 2

The Southland Times. FRIDAY, AUGUST 31, 1868.

The telegrams from the North, published in a * previous issue are most important ; they recorded two events that will exercise a powerful influence on the future of the colony, viz : — the reconstruction of the Staiford Ministry and the connection of the two Islands by means the Electric Telegraph. Both events unite to settle the long vexed question of Separation. One of the strongest arguments in support of the agitation for the disunion of the colony in the South was, that the distance from the seat of the Greneral Groverment and the inadequate provisions for communication was a perpetual source of inconvenience and irritation can no longer be advanced; the Telegraph cable across Cook's Straits being now an accomplished fact, the two Islands are brought into almost instantaneous connection — the Provinces of the South may hold immediate communication with the central Q-overnment. The next important argument has also ceased to be of value, viz : — that the grasping proclivities of the ISTorth svas retarding tlie progress of the South. "Whatever may have been the power and influence exercised by the Northern politicians in days gone by it is evident from the ingnominous defeat that " united Auckland " suffered upon Mr Whitaker's resolutions, that it has ceased to exist — that the arrogant assumption of powerformerly displayed has been crushed out, and the supremacy of the North departed. Separation is no longer a necessity. But a reform in the conduction of the G-eneral G-overn-ment is devoutly to be desired. It would be folly to suppose that the question of Separation can again be revived with any prospect of. success, and it now behoves every colonist to consider seriously what changes are desirable, and instead of centering their thoughts upon an unobtainable object to give their attention to the realization of reforms that by energy and judgment can be gained. The readjustment of Provincial boundaries has now become the great question of moment.

It is evident that the centeralizin^ influence in the G-eneral Assembly is great, and it is equally certain that in order to create a bal mcc of power the boundaries of the Provinces should be readjusted. So long as three Provinces out of nine can command a majority in the Assembly, the other six will be but mere shuttlecocks to be tossed about, snubbed or oppressed, at the will of their more powerful neighbors. The equalizing of Provincial influence and the extension . of Provincial power, under present circumstances, appears the only way to secure a good and equitable Government. What is the present relationship between the G-eneral aud the Provincial Governments ? From the tenor of the exTreasurer's speech, when introducing his Budget, it would appear that Provincial Governments were lookedupon,atthe head eenfci'e, as children still in leading-strings, to be whipped or petted as the inclination of their parental guardians might dictate. This doctrine must be trodden out ? Mr Jollie, in giving expression to this sentiment, was no doubt only echoing the views of his more astute colleagues, but with the simplicity of an apprentice hand, he showed the cards too openly, and has been sent to Coventry for the clumsy manner in which he manipulated thd pack placed in his charge. The new Ministry is powerful — it is constructed of men of acknowledged ability and extensive legislative experience ; still, it must be kept in mind that the leader is the same, and although he has now trimmed his sails, and announced that the provinces will not be deprived of the threeeighths of the Customs Eevenue; the assumed right of the General G-overn-ment to take them has not been repudiated. This is a question that should be immediately decided ? If the G-eneral G-overnment can take the three-eighths of the Customs for G-eneral Government purposes, what is to prevent the same doctrine being advanced with respect to the provincial land founds ? Should the Grovernment, during recess, through blundering or design, incur responsibilities far in excess of the estimates, can it not reproduce this argument ? If they can appropriate the one they can also appropriate the other. This is a question that demands immediate and serious attention — upon its decision depends the security or uncertainty of all provincial transactions. It is, however, a matter for congratulation that a strong Ministry has been formed, under the leadership of Mr Stafford. He is unquestionably an able statesman, and possessed of indomitable energy and perseverance, still his idiosyncrasy is centralization, and a strong bit and curb is necessary to be kept upon him, to prevent injustice being done to the extreme Provinces, both North and South. It is therefore imperative that the relationship that exists between the Provinces and the Greneral Government should be at once clearly and positively defined. The Treasurer, Mr Pitzhekbeiit, is highly qualified for the post he is appointed to. He is a clever financier, and an able debater, but again comes the " plague spot" — a centraliser. Mr J. C. Eichmoitd has had considerable governmental expe--rience, and is well posted up in the work he has undertaken • but he too holds the centralization faith. Tlie remaining members of the Cabinet, Messrs. Hall, Hatjltain, Johj^sois", and Eichaudson", are men of talent, and although antiSeparationists, are believed to be free from the tinge of centralization, which is the very soul of the creed of their colleagues. Thus we may conclude that the new Ministry is powerful in intellect and experience. If the whole of the Cabinet have weighed their responsibilities before consenting to take office, there is reason to believe that just and equitable laws will be proposed, that the middle Provinces partiality of Mr Stafford will be kept within bounds, and even handed jusbice meted out. We shall look with interest for the programme of the new Ministry.