The Southland Times. FRIDAY, JULY 31, 1868.

Southland Times, Issue 995, 31 July 1868, Page 2

The Southland Times. FRIDAY, JULY 31, 1868.

The telegraphic intelligence, from our "Wellington Correspondent, published in our other columns, is unquestionably the most important that we have had to chronicle for years. The Parliamentary news, though necessarily scant, is of unusual interest, and the records of the doings of the Natives is startling and humiliating. It will be seen that the work of the session of the General Assembly has commenced in earnest, and the contest of Colonialism versus Provincialism has fairly begun. The discussion was commenced on Wednesday, on the occasion of the Colonial Secretary moving the second reading of the Eoad Boards Bill. Mr Stappobd acted wisely, at so early a period of the session, in causing this question to be brought forward. It showed uumistakeable evidence of confidence in the policy his Ministry has adopted, and it also evinces a determination to carry it out without, flinching. Until the Bill is before us, it would be premature to pronounce an opinion as to its merits or demerits, but sufficient information has been received to justify the conclusion that it is based on the Local Government Bill of last session, revised and amended. The statement of Mr Stapfobd, "that the General Government would henceforward feel bound to legislate for any part of the colony,"

would indicate that the hitch in the Westiand County Act had already been got over. From the news to hand, however, Ho idea can be formed of the Ministerial policy, except in this particular instance. No reference appears to have yet been made in the House as to the renewal of the Maori war. Mr Eox has openly taken the position of leader of the Opposition, and he gave notice of motion, "that the House should not proceed with any farther business until the Government had explained its policy." The debate on this motion cannot fail to elicit information of much value, and in a measure determine the strength of the two parties — the Colonialists and the Povincialists. Until the result of ' Thursday's debate is known, further j comment on this point is unnecessary. The native news is very grave indeed. The whole of our predictions have been more than realised in a much shorter time than we anticipated. The Colonial forces have again been beaten, the Friendly natives have proved treacherous go their European comrades, causing a liction will the Government take to suppress this rebellion ? That prompt and energetic measures are required, all parties will acknowledge. The time has passed for conciliation. It is evident that the present force of Mounted Constables and Volunteers are insufficient for the work to be done, and it is equally evident that the defeat the European forces have experienced, has already had the effect of drawing into the ranks of the Hau Hau rebels, numbers of the natives who had been looked upon as the staunch friends of the Colonists. At no period of our history has the condition of the North Island assumed a darker complexion than at present. But bad as things are we see no reason to despond. As far as the Native difficulty is concerned, when the news is spread broadcast that the Colonial forces have been defeated, it will create a determined spirit in the minds of the people to stamp out the rebellion at all hazards. If the Native race is exterminated in the struggle they will have themselves only to blame for it. The time has arrived for action — shortj sharp, and decisive.