The Southland Times. MONDAY, APRIL 10, 1868.

Southland Times, Issue 931, 10 April 1868, Page 2

The Southland Times. MONDAY, APRIL 10, 1868.

With the termination of the session of the General Assembly there has been almost a suspension of public discussion on colonial subjects. During the last few months both the colonial and provincial legislatures, with few exceptions, have been in recess, and the dispute between the Unionists and the Provincialists almost entirely ignored by the public press. The period for the re-assembling of the Colonial Parliament is now rapidly approaching aud indications of a revival of party strife are cropping up. The Provincial Councils in Otago, Southland, and other provinces are being summoned for the despatch of business, in order that important subjects may be debated previous to the meeting of the Assembly, which is expected to take place in July next. It is well that such a policy should be pursued. The number of conferences, negotiations, and arrangements which have been made between the heads of the Colonial and Provincial Governments during the period alluded to are so varied and important that until the particulars of all governmental transactions are laid before the respective Provincial Councils, no just estimate can be made of their color and complexion. Auckland, in all probability, will fling itself into the arms of the Unionists, and most of the smaller provinces of the North Island may follow suit. On the other hand, Canterbury through the Council, has decided in favor of a reformed provincial system. Otago favors reannexation of the new provinces to the original ones, or insular separation. Nelson and Wellington give uncertain sounds, while Southland waits with complacency to learn what has been done before giving an adherence to any party. The Provincial Council of Otago is now in session, and it is understood that what is called extra Provincial questions, such 'as Separation, and the relations between the General and Provincial Governments, and the reunion of Otago and Southland, will form an important part of its proceedings. It may be as well to state at once what we know to be the general feeling of the great majority of the people of Southland. We will not reunite, simply because we are very fairly dealt with by the Colonial Government ; and the politicians of Otago have never yet definitely stated

on what grounds they desired the annex* ation of this Province. They simply have hitherto asserted that it would be for the benefit of Southland, without showing in what manner that benefit would accrue. Let them distinctly state what is the basis of the proposition — what better position we would be placed in by being united to O*ago — and then it will be time enough to discuss the question.