ANNEXATION TO OTAGO.

Southland Times, Issue 1190, 9 July 1869, Page 4

ANNEXATION TO OTAGO.

The meeting held at the Eychange Hall, has developed two facts, viz : — ?hat the people of Southland are not in favor of annexation, bat dissatisfied with the present unpromising state of affairs ; — and a tendency was manifested in the direction of the County and Road Boards system. All sides and shades of opinion are agreed, however, upon the necessity of a change in the nature of the Government of the Province. This feeling is based upon a wide-spread dissatisfaction, and that dissatisfaction is the result of the helplessness and inactivity of the authorities. There can be no question that at the present moment the Government is placed in a difficult position, because no funds are available to meet current expenses, in consequence of the payment of the heavy rate of interest on our debt, and yet the Province is compelled to maintain institutions that ought properly to come under the control of the General Government, such as harbors, police, and gaols. This is a very unfair state of things, both to the Executive and people, and if some remedy is not quickly applied, the worst consequences will ensue to the prosperity of this part of the Middle Island. We are unjustly deprived of a great part of our revenue by Otago, and the General Government is bound by every principle of justice to see this province fairly treated. The hardship of our position is even admitted by those who derive the benefit. This province has hitherto been in favor of a strong Colonial Government, believing that by its establishment evenhanded justice would be meted out to all, but the course pursued lately by Mr Stapfobd has not tended to foster this feeling. The temper of the meeting was a significant proof of this. Although no formal action was taken on the subject, a very general feeling of dissatisfaction was expressed at the crippled position this province is placed in by being deprived of the customs revenue. The principal portion of the debt of the province has been incurred in making railways. Similar works in other colonies belong to the government, and no particular district is charged with their con struction, because they arc for the general benefit. So ought the railways of Southland be dealt with. The General Government should take possession of them, and give us credit for at least a portion ot the outlay. This could be settled by arbitration. Let this be done, ?nd a loan advanced for immigration purposes, and for opening up the interior. Let road boards be established, each district receiving a fair

hare, aud contributing a fair proportion, in the shape of local taxation, and then the position of Southland would be quickly changed for the better.