The Southland Times. MONDAY, APRIL 8, 1867.

Southland Times, Issue 654, 8 April 1867, Page 2

The Southland Times. MONDAY, APRIL 8, 1867.

I liuu-ajii self-go vernment is the cornerstone of British legislation. Its municipal institutions have given it a stability and power in excess of any other nation, and rendered ita constitution the acknowledged model from which other countries are now seeking their bases — the reconstruction of their systems of Government. The municipal organisation is founded on ( equitable principle, and affords the largest facilities for the development of the political instincts of men that has ever yet been propounded. It not only secures to those resident in districts where Local Councils are established the power, in a large measure, to regulate the amount of taxation they require, but gives them power to invest the amount raised within their bounds as they may deem most beneficial. It may further be deemed the training school for politicians. The most eminent legislators of England have tried their apprentice hand at the Council Board, and proved their metal before attempting the more difficult task of gaining a position in the supreme legislature of the nation. Local self-government is the kernel of political progress, the great lever that liftß a country or community into prominence and political importance. The colonies have not been slow in planting in distant lands this timehonored institution of the home country. In Canada and Australia, city and district councils are to be found in every locality that can number even a few hundred inhabitants, and wherever they do exist progress is most conspicuous. In New Zealand up to a recent period the establishment of Municipal Councils — institutions worthy of the name — have been censurably neglected, and hence Has arisen the discontent that has been displayed in the major number of districts throughout the colony. In almost every province the country has been at war with the town. Provincial Councils have been hurled from the pedestal of legislative respect, and their members have fallen to the position of Pedlingtonian special pleaders and local advocates. The result has been that no systematic plan of public works has been carried out. The Groverament might conceive schemes of the highest value, but they were powerless to carry them out ; local jealousies destroyed them all. A comprehensive municipal system is the only remedy for this evil. It is therefore a matter for rejoicing that the success which attended the working of the Municipal Councils of Victoria, and the applause that such success has called forth, has been wafted to the shores of New Zealand, and that able men are advocating their establishment throughout the length and breadth of this colony. For many years a Municipal Board has existed in Auckland, and more recently in Christchurch and Dunedin. The Christchurch and Auckland Councils were formed under a very old enactment ; they are, in consequence, crippled in resources, and unsatisfactory in their working. In Otage it is otherwise. A new Bill was drafted based on acts in operation in Victoria and South Australia, which is comprehensive and workable. Otago again took the initiative, and prepared a District Council Bill, also based on the Victorian Act. The act has so far worked well as tp induce the G-eneral Government to prepare a Municipal enactment suitable to the whole colony. This Bill, we understand, is being prepared with great care, and is likely to prove acceptable to the people. A Municipalities Acfc for (Southland is much required, and an expression of public opinion upon the question should, be elicited. The inhabitants of Invercargill and Eivertori are deeply interested in the question, . In both of these towns a Municipal Council is required. As far as Inyercargill is concerned, the uecesssity is bo transparent that argument is not needed. This town has bean well laid out, large

sums have been expended in extensive drainage and street making, but owing to the absence of a local body, the drains are caving in, the streets are becoming in many parts impassable, and unlessaetion is quickly taken the only evidence of past energy th^now exists will have passed away, and the whole town againbecome the quagmire it once was — the traffic will be impeded, its healthiness diminished, and the value of property still " grow smaller by degrees, and beautifully less." Eiverton and the country districts, although not so immediately interested, have a prospective advantage scarcely less important. Should the contemplated Bailway scheme be carried out, townships will spring up with great rapidity, roads and streets will be necessary, and local self-government become of the very highest moment. In taking up this subject we have no intention of making it a town question. "We desire to evoke public feeling in favor of the principal of Municipal GJ-overriment for both town and country — a G-overmnent founded on equity and yielding justice to all alike. The time has come for action. '