PROVINCIAL—POLITICAL.

Southland Times, Issue 698, 19 July 1867, Page 5

PROVINCIAL— POLITICAL.

Since our last summary the whole of the Province has been agitated on the subject of railways, and the dissolution of the Provincial Council. It Trill be remembered that at the late meeting of the Council, the Government, of which Mr Blaeklo.ek was the head, was defeated on the question of setting aside land in sufficient quantities to make a, line of railway as far as the Mataura, and to finish the Oreti Railway, a great portion of which has already been constructed. But owing to the manoeuvres of some members, headed by Dr Menzies and Mr Cuthbertson, an amendment was passed which in reality meant- -the shelving of the question, but which gave the color of a desire on the part of the Council to entertain -the- -subject- of railway construction at a future- period. Great indignation was expressed by the people at the conduct pursued by their representatives in sacrificing the best interests of the Province to the squatters,' which body (numbering only -25) occupy nearly the whole area of Southland at a nominal rent. Resolutions were formed and petitions presented .to His Excellency the Governor, praying that the railways should be at once proceeded with. . This was met with a counter petition on behalf of the squatters, which stated that the people (lid not require railways, and so the matter rests. It is understood, however, that there will a majority of the new Council in favor of the railway scheme, and the who% quesssn wji) b© re.Qpene& Every activity is

being shown by the*eitizens and country settlers, :to return . men ..in favor ofj railways, and-a Superintendent-pledged -to} support Jbhejr- cp^^rugtion; byvthe allqca-j v tion of lancl. .. - r , -,^ :<T y. v .. ; . T