The Southland Times. FRIDAY, AUGUST 6, 1869. SUMMARY FOB EUROPE & AMERICA

Southland Times, Issue 1105, 6 August 1869, Page 4

The Southland Times. FRIDAY, AUGUST 6, 1869. SUMMARY FOB EUROPE & AMERICA

POLITICAL— PROVINCIAL. Provincial politics during the past month have not attracted any great amount of attention, pending the approaching session of the Council, Which is summoned to meet on the 16 th inst. The action of His Honor the Superintendent in dismissing the late Executive will no doubt then be freely discussed, and on this particular question a stormy debate may be anticipated. In other matters, however, it is doubtful whether much interest will be manifested, there being an apparently growing opinion the Council is comparatively "powerless to effect much either for^good or evil, and that the effete Bystem must speedily give place to one better adapted to the altered circumstances of the country. The subject of re-union to Otago will^likely bo brought forward, and it is probable that a motion in favor of a dissolution of the Council, in order to remit the question of annexation to the constituencies, will be carried. The Jquestion, however, is one which will have to be determined jby the General Assembly, and, even if the inhabitants declare in its favor, which is doubtful, it will depend much upon which party is in power at thej time whether re-union will be accomplished or not. If Mr Fox — who would doubtless be glad thus to secure the unanimous support of the Otago members — remains ]at the head of affairs, it is just, possible that Otago may be allowed fiofiaivy ,out her scheme for absorbing Southland, a result which would at once gratify her long cherished desire, swell her own importance, and extinguish a spirited rival. On the other hand, should Mr Stafford shortly resume the reins of government — which is not unlikely— it is scarcely to be ex* pected that the proposal would receive much attention, certainly being, antagonistic to the spiritjof that statesman's well known political creed, it would not be carried into effect. It is, however, not less certain that, no matter what party occupies] the ministerial benches, some change affecting the provincial system must shortly take place. What precis c shape impending .reforms may take it is difficult under present circumstances to tell, the existing ministry never having delivered any very clearly denned ideas on the subject. With the Stafford party agaiu in power the case would be different, they having long studied most closely the various aspects of the question, and repeatedly enunciated measures which they considered adaptable to the circumstances of the colony. It may also be pretty safely predicted that, under any form of local government which may in future exist, a system of direct taxation will have to be adopted. The people of Southland have hitherto relied solely upon the government for the formation of roads and other public works, and when matters came to a standstill, have too frequently contented themselves with giving utterance to objectless and unprofitable complaint, while their fellowcolonists, the settlers of other provinces, have voluntarily assessed themselves, iv some instances heavily, to assist the, government in opening interior comm-

unications, and effecting works of public utility. The inhabitants of this province must make up their minds to do the same, if they desire to succeed in their respective undertakings.