LYTTELTON.

Colonist, Volume II, Issue 101, 8 October 1858, Page 3

LYTTELTON.

(From the Lyttelton Times, Ssptember 11.) Centralism and Provincialism ; —these appear to be the antagonistic, war-cries under which NV,v Zealand politicians are ranging themselves against each other on almost every question of importance. It is to be feared that in each succeeding se-sion—unless we are prepared to take a more practical view of the political necessities of the colony—these war-cries will become louder, and the division between the ablest men in New Zealand will grow wider and wider.

After all, the names "Centralist" and " Provinciah'st" do not in most cases give a truer impression than party nick-name 3 generally convey. " Centralism," properly so called, is repugnant to all the political instincts of Englishmen. "Provincialism" is as repugnant to their educated sympathies. Many of those who are called, or erroneously call themselves, Centralists, are truer friends of local self-govern-ment than many of the defenders of "Provincialism," while some who find thems<#l-IPJfijf fad under the name of Provincialists have the most profound contempt for.the assumption and local tyranny that have distinguished one or two of our little centralisms.

We are at present in a very anomalous position. How we have been so placed is not now the question, but how we are to use it practically to the best advantage. We colbnists.hate, as Englishmen have ever hated, fine-spun, wellbalanccd political theories; but still more hateful to the Anglo-Saxon is -a logical deduction from a paper theory. This is the only sufficient reason that occurs to us for.the uncertain way in which the several provinces, and individual-' members from the provinces, have looked Hpon different measures which affect the relations between the General and Provincial Governments. And any Government that wishes to succeed must respect the anxiety to prefer practical good to theoretical uniformity. We have no doubt but that the interests of the colony practically considered must gradually lead to the union of the whole under one Government; but this consummation will not be attained by interfering with any local Governments now established in matters in which they are the best judges and the best operators. It is not wise, either for the good of the colony or the stability of his Ministry, that great Mr. Secretary Stafford should contemptuously pooh-pooh the Governments, one of which little King Stafford initiated in the most florid cocked-hat and-fea-thers style. Nor on the other hand is it right that her Majesty's, lieges should be in fear lest tho magnates of the " Empire City " should declare war against the rest of New Zealand, or vilify every opponent till he succumbs or leaves his own province in disgust.

. A judicious General Government might manage, matters now very well. Our representatives have been throughout the session most forbearing ; ministers have had every opportunity of initiating their policy ; they have taken votes for two years, so that they may have an opportunity of giving it a fair trial; let us only hope that they may shew judgment. They have shewn ability and industry; but to-

wards the end of the session they got a broad hint not to presume too much upon the patience of the country. It lies "with them to prove to us during the next two years that the changes made in our institutions are not injurious; andthis can only be done by a wise discretion in the use of the powers entrusted to them.