The Southland Times. MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 1866.

Southland Times, Issue 562, 17 September 1866, Page 2

The Southland Times. MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 1866.

The business of the General Assembly is but Blowly progressing. Statement of Mr Eitzheebebt is almost identical with that of Mr Jollie. The Staffoed policy, and his legislative actions all converge to one pomt — to cripple and destroy Provincialism, still he has not proposed any other system to supply its place. As this factbecomes more and more apparent, so the advocates for Provincial G-overnments become louder and louder in their opposition. The concession made as to three-eighths of the Customs is not deemed satisfactory. The strong opposition shown by the Ministry to the Bill- introduced by Mr Yogel to make it a positive source of Provincial revenue has created a feeling of suspicion as to the sincerity of the intentions of Mr Staffobd, as" to making the appropriation. It is thought, that should the estimates be passed and the session closed, the present Ministry will not be very particular as to this item — that if the money should be required for other purposes, the Provinces are not very likely to get it— and inasmuch as the estimated expenditure is in excess of the estimated revenne ; this. is not unlikely to be the case. Again, the attempt to take away the municipal fees from Provincial Municipalities, that has caused - considerable discussion and demonstrative opposition jin Otago, has done much to sever the silken-thread that linked the Otago members with the ministerial party. The Auckland members almost to a man are opposed to the Staffoed programme, and a large proportion of the Southern representatives have given indications of determined opposition. " Another Ministeriai crises is more than probable. The Weld party have expressed much indignation at the desertion of Eitzheebeet and Majoe Bichabdson from their ranks, and if we can read the signs of the times aright, are in expectation of again bringing their leader into the political strife. Upon the new Staffoed Ministry being formed, Mr Eitzgeeald solicited leave of absence for the remainder of the session which was granted, but scarcely had the retirement of this gentleman been made public before a voice from Canterbury was heard heralding the fact that he was again on his way back to the House, to draw his lance and have a tilt with his former colleague, Mr Pitzheebeet. The tournament has commenced, and the Stamp Duties is the bone of contention. Mr Mooehotjse was the first to enter the arena, quickly followed by Messrs Fitz-g-ebald and Cbosbze "Ward, with many Southern backers. How the battle will terminate it would be presumptuous to predict, still the Ministry have elected ta make it a Ministerial question, and should it be defeated must resign. Should such happen, can another Ministry be formed that will have the confidence of the House ? . "We think not. Mr Whittakee has no followers out of the bounds of Auckland, and neither Mr Mooehotjse or Mj Fitz-Geeald possess the qualities essentially necessary to a Premier, if likely to maintain power. Is it possible that an organisation has been formed to necessitate a dissolution of the Assembly, and that Mr "Weld will reap-pear-like a lion refreshed, all eager for the affray ? It is certain that the present Ministry are not firmly seated, that a very strong opposition, exists, and an organised system to bring the pressure of public opinion to bear upon them exists in Otago and Canterbury. Should Mr Staffoed succeed in getting his Budget passed in its present shape, which is extremely doubtful, other questions wil arise upon which the Ministry will have to take a decided stand.. The annexation idea has not been entirely abandoned, or yet the scheme of the readjustment of the boundaries of the Provinces. A motion has been tabled for the annexation of Poverty Bay to the Hawk's Bay Province. This will open a large question — it will give the opportunity for the subject of Provincialism v. Generalization being freely discussed. It is- evident that Otago and Canterbury are determinedly opposed to the centralising policy, and if they can split the votes of the central Provinces, by the adoption of annexation or the readjustment of bounderies, they will prolong the Provincial system for many years to come. That this form of government will sooner or later be abolished there can be but little" doubt, and the present session will in a great measure determine the date. If Mr. JStaffobd can. carry his measures, all converging to one. point— one Government for all New Zealand — the provincial system may be considered doomed.

Should be fail, Provincial Governmenti will obtain increased powers and renewed vitality that may prolong their existence to an indefinite period. The session if not likely to be soon ended. The M logrolling" theory may be said to hay» reached perfection ; buf what may; be the result of its working we must bide our time to see. It must be a satisfaction to Southland to feel that in any case she will not be seriously affected.