ANNEXATION OF SOUTHLAND.

Southland Times, Issue 1161, 19 May 1869, Page 2

ANNEXATION OF SOUTHLAND.

(TO THE EDITOS OP THB SOTJTHtiAND TIMES.) Sib — Permit me to make a few remarks on a subject which is beginning to attract some notice in Southland. The Provincial Council of Otago has again taken up the question of annexation. Mr Shand, a newly elected member, moved — " That an offer be made from the Provincial Council of Otago to the Provincial Council of Southland, to re-annex the Province of Southland to the Province of Otago ; the basis of union to be determined by three members appointed by each Government, with power to choose an umpire ; such basis to be binding by each Government." The speaker, in support of his motion, asserted there was a very general desire amongst the settlers of Southland to reunite, and gave it as his opiniou that it was most desirable the union should take place, even if only on the score of economy. He evidently thought any argument would be out of place in discussing the subject, for he did not attempt to bring forward any, nor did the Council appear to think the motion likely to be productive of any good, for I fiod Mr Gillies stating — " That overtures similar to those now proposed by the hon member for the Taieri had been made to the Council of Southland on a previous occasion with no result. That being the case, till some inclination was shown by Southland to meet the proposition, it was hardly in accord with their position for them again to make the proposition." It appears to be altogether overlooked by the Otago politicians, even assuming the people of Southland were really desirous , of surrendering their privileges — which would simply be an act of uiadneßs on their part — -that there is another party whose sanction it would be necessary to obtain before a union of the two Provinces could be accomplished, viz— the General Assembly. It is not at all likely that this body, whose duty it is to legislate for the whole colony, ' would tolerate or sanction an arrangement which would practically render useless most of the legislation of the {past two ses§ipng. iSTeither is it likely that the General Government would be disposeto view with favor a movement that would largely increase the political influence of Otago. The union of Otago

and Southland would simpiy mean tue ( perpetuation of the worst form of Pro- i viucialism. It would be advantageous no doubt to Otago, especially to the people i of Dunedin. It would increase the ; official staff, increase departmental expenditure, and most of the money would be spent in Dunedin. This would be good for Dunedin, no doubt, but what about Southland. How is it, if the Province of Otago is so prosperous, that the Superintendent m his opening address speaks in so deepondin<* a tone. Why have the outlying district of Otago been seeking refuge under the wincrs of the General Government it they are so contented and happy as we are' led to believe ? Simply because their revenue is spent out of the locality where it is raised. If Southland joined Otago the same cry would be raised here. We would forfeit our right to deal directly with the supreme Government on all matters affecting us as a community, and we would Be left to the tender mercies of the Executive sitting in Princes-street. We are asked to do an action that would completely extinguish our political existence In other parts of the colony we find the people residing in the outlying districts strongly urging the " General Government to step . a.* — A f.U_ PwomnrtiJU centres. "Hokitika, Timaru, and Glad- | stone have separated from Canterbury, and at the present moment the people

of Westport are using every exertion to obtain separation from Nelson With those facts before us we should be very cautious how we act with Otago. She | seeks to annex us for her own benefit. Her position at the present moment is anything but satisfactory. She is selling most of her waste lands at ten shillings per acre, but how long will this state of things last? Those politicians who are in favor of the union take the wrong way of effecting their object when they disseminate such glaring and palpable untruths as the following. Mr Bathgate in addressing a meeting in Dunedin recently, said *.— " Southland, for example, existed merely on sufferance. It had not a single acre of land to sell, and yet its leading men, because they were personally interested in continuing this state of affairs, set their faces against annexation to Otago." This speaks for itself. If this is the style -of argument to be pursued by the " delegates " when they pay us a visit, I am inclined to think that their labor will be fruitless. The present time is the very worst that could be selected for discussing the subject of annexation. The General Assembly will shortly be in session, and until we learn the nature of the measures for the future government of the colony which ministers will submit to parliament, any decided action taken on our part would be both injudicious and premature. — I am, &c, An Old Resident. Invercargill, May 16th, 1869.