THE SOUTHLAND ASSOCIATION.

Southland Times, Issue 681, 10 June 1867, Page 2

THE SOUTHLAND ASSOCIATION.

; (PBE- FAVOB OF THE- SOUTHIAJro>TrMBS.) ; We have consistently deprecated ,%bi ? time to time the apathy on 'pdmacal matters evinced By the inhabitants of almost eveiy section of the Province, and we consequently at the time regarded the establishment, about a year since,, of the East Road Committee as a good omen for the future, we did not, neither do we now approve of the extreme- and rabid mariner in which the abuses of the Provincial' Government administration were attacked, and should hav.e preferred that its members had acted with a more parliamentary spirit. Still, it must' be remembered that good sometimes comes out -of evil, and that the persistent course pursued by the committee ultimately induced the Provincial Government to dole out a few crusts from the public loaf in the shape of sundry insignificant repairs to the East, and subsequently to the North Eoad. When" the Committee exchanged its chrysalis state and expanded itself into more significant proportions under the title of . the " Southland Association/ it was expected to take up that position which it could alone occupy to become effective, and a benefit to the community, but in this we have been disappointed. The Association, with the exception of one instance of vitality, viz., the meeting at Wallacetown, has apparently relapsed into a state of coma, its operations being confined to the consideration of petty local matters. On referring to the constitution of the Otago Association, which has been adopted by that of Southland, the primary object advanced is " to generally follow out vigorously everytliing necessary to the well being and development of the resources of the Province." While disclaiming any intention to sit in judgement upon, or to disparage the efforts tof so juvenile an Association, we cannot disguise the fact that the objects : contemplated seem in no degree to have been attained. For instance :. What has Association done to secure perfect by promoting the registration of all persons entitled to vote? I What has been effected to obtain an advantageous settlement of the Railway Question ? It appears that on these points, which are not only legitimately ■within, the. scope of such an institution, but, of the greatest consequence to every inhabitant of Southland, the Association has proved but a poor conservator of public interest. In the absence of replies to these^queries ! from the fountain head, it is expedient' to enquire into the causes of these al : leged short-comings, and in doing so^ conclude that although the constitution and Bye-laws of the Association are all that could be desired, the proceedings hitherto have not been carried out in a sufficiently comprehensive manner. There is ample scope for the exercise of even ordinary ability to effect much public ■good, provided the business is set about in an earnest manner, and upon a systematic scale, proportioned to the importance and magnitude of the objects to be accomplished; The* chairman has stated that there is no lack of money, and we are of opinion that there would not be wanting numerous and able supporters, were the proceedings of the Association efficiently conducted. We would suggest that the Central Committee lose no time in establishing its" head-quarters in the heart of our metropolis, being assured that under able management, the Asso-" ciation would soon become a flourishing parent, feeding and nourishing its numerous branches and saplings in every quarter of the Province, and would finally be recognized as the guide-wheel of our political locomotive,; to keep it from emerging from the (straight line.— Communicated. '-"'