The Southland Times. MONDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 1869.

Southland Times, Issue 1165, 15 November 1869, Page 2

The Southland Times. MONDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 1869.

Oub twenty newly-elected legislators have met, have performed the first act in the Jong announced political drama, and again betaken themselves to their respective homes for a fortnight. "Whether the remainder of the performance will assume more of tragic gravity as it progresses, or continue to exhibit a tendency to comedy? remains to be proved ; certain it is that the opening scenes partook largely of the characteristics of broadest farce. Viewed simply as a sensational effort, it has been so far a complete success. The interest of the audience was riveted from the first, and the denouement produced a shock o£ amazement bo thrilling that ib must have gratified the most sanguine expectations of those who hatched the plot. Seriously Bpeaking, however, we think many of the constituencies must already regret returning men enthusiastic on one subject, and indifferent on all others. Their exultation must give place to lamentation when they see constitutional government travestied, and the disposition of the highest offices of the state decided by " a shake in the bat." The numerical superiority of the annexationists in the Council has been placed beyond doubt. The strength of parties was fairly tested twice in one day, at the election of Speaker and Superintendent, and on both occasions it was but too obvious the re-unionists could carry [ any measure they pleased. Had they been men simply holding the opinion that union on equitable terms was desirable, willing to fully consider the question in all its bearing, and leagued together only to adopt the course they might thereafter mutually agree upon as mostadvantageous, there would, be little to complain of ; but if what they have already done is a criterion, it is evident the matter has got all the consideration at their hands they intend, or are capable of giving it, and that they now act in harmony only to carry out a predetermined purpose. What other conclusion can honestly be come to

lin the face of the facb that Mr "Wood owes his position solely to chance ? That gentleman himself knows that eligibility was not considered for a moment when the important question of who should be i Superintendent was being decided. It fell to "him to bear the title, and it might have happened worse, but the manner of his elevation shows that his dignity is intended to be but short-lived, and that, while the nominal head of the province, he is at least expected to be the willing servant of his party. That the arrangement is a mere temporary expedient cannot be, in fact, is not, denied, neither is it doubtful whose iufluence will, in reality, guide the course of events. Of what value, then, are the assertions of re-union members that they are free and unbiassed, | open to discuss the question without pre j judice, and prepared to form their judgment and give their votes on evidence yet to be adduced, or what hope is there that, with a party in power bent on carrying out a pet project at all hazards, the best terms will be secured. It only betrays ignorance of the subject to say that it has been already fully discussed, and an unwarrantable faith in the generosity of Otago to suppose that, seeing her advantage in the weakness of our Council, she will not make stipulations less favorable to us than those agreed to by the co m missio ncr s . Moreo ver, even on the best possible terms, supposing union to take place, the benefits anticipated are out of all proportion, and the result will be disappointment and chagrin. The most chimerical ideas of what will be the immediate gain find favor on this side of the border. The most inflated notions of Otago's wealth, power, and patriotism, are readily believed, and men who, in other respects, think and act reasonably, on this point display a want of ordinary prudence. Forgetting that trials and difficulties are normal conditions of humaa life, they look to re- union to remove at once all the obstacles they have, in common with their fellow-colonists to encounter, exaggerating at once their own grievances and the ability of Otago to redress them. On the other side of the Mataura, less extravagant notions are entertained. Free from the evil influence of excitement, they have viewed the subject dispassionately, and, consequently, fcave come to moderate pnd more just conclusions. We would commend to the careful consideration of those vho advocate re-union at any price, the subjoined extract from the Bmce Standard of the 6th inst., and an able letter, signed " Otago Settler," which appears in our otner columns :— "We do not think that the subject oi re-union has been yet brought before the public in that practical shape which allows us to properly discuss it. "While, however, wishing to see the landed estate of Southland saved from the grasping hands of a few men, and people settled on her level plains, we must have some evidence afforded us that Southland cannot of herself retrieve her position before Otago must be called upon to make the sacrifice she must inevitably make if a re-union takes place. To Southlan^^l trials of adversity, though hard, snwnci teach a lesson that we in Otago have much need to learn — that wasteful expenditure of money on governmental display always brings its own punishment. If the Southland people are desirous of a reform, and have hope in the future, let them tax themselves to temporarily tide over their difficulties. If their future is bright — and who that is acquainted with Southland can say otherwise? — why not, trusting in that future, resolve that there shall not be paid politicians of any kind. Let them have a paid treasurer, like the county boards in other colonies, and let them not expend any of their revenue on the administration of their affairs. Let their patriots do their duty by fulfilling their offices of state without emolument ; and by rigid economy and a husbanding of their resources, Southland would soon see that there are other ways than the " Independent " or " Union " committees have pointed out that may lead to their restoration. If they set about conducting their affairs in an economical way, it will be a pledge to those in Otago who are opposed to re-union that there is more at the root of this agitation than the striving after the expenditure of Otago money on Southland roads and bridges. We in Otago have as much to do as we can at the present time accomplish, without resorting to a tax on property. The laud sales must yearly yield loss, the good land within an easy distance of our sea-ports is now sold, and, without taking into account the recent changes in our Waste Lands Act, it must be patent to all that the time is not far distant when the making of roads and bridges must depend on something other than our land revenue. Our liabilities are being added | to, and our population is nofc increasing in the same ratio."