The Temuka Leader THURSDAY, AUGUST 26, 1880

Temuka Leader, Issue 282, 26 August 1880, Page 2

The Temuka Leader THURSDAY, AUGUST 26, 1880

The Parliament of New Zealand still drags along its weary course, wasting the money of the country, and making itself tbe subject ot unfavorable comment, not only in our Coltmy but in the neighbouring Colonies of Australia. When, on the present Ministry taking their seats, we gave it as our opinion that, with tbe exception of one or two of the members, little legislative ability would be found in the Cabinet. Some people would no doubt, at the time, put this down to a craze about Sir George Grey, whose part we warmly espoused when persecuted by his opponents. Time, however, has—as we then stated—proved that we were right. Not only has Mr Rolleston turned out a fearful failure as a Minister, and Mr Hall dis appointed even his warmest friends, but Mr Oliver, who we considered would be a good Minister of Public Works, from his business habits, has turned out totally unfit for filling so important a situation. The Public Works Statement betrays a want of ability never before exhibited by any Minister of Public Works to the same extent. Mr Oliver has plainly shown that he is not able to grapple with such big things ; and poor Mr Dick has been pushed far beyond hie depth. So notorious has the doings of the j resent Parliament become that most sensible people would be glad to hear (hat the doors were closed, and the members returned to their homes. Somehow or other, when sensible men even reach within the walls of Wellington, they teem to become bereaved of their senses ; some of them even o their tongues. Whether it is the too near proximity to Bellamy’s, or whether it is the effect of electricity, caused by the foul air collected at the base of the surrounding hills, we do not know ; but so it is that many of the visitors act more like fools or mad men than wise council, lors. If this arises from external causes it is time the Seat of Government was decided upon to be removed to some other place with a more salubrious atmos phere..

Another statement we made, that the members for the North Island are ahead of the members of the (South Island for sharpness and diplomatic craft, Thi s

has bean dearly proved during the I present session. Three or four of the North Island members had only to lay their heads together and demand some concession from the Government, and they hod it. Mr Hall evidently is in their power, and they know it. When in opposition Mr Hall and Mr Rolleston could form the obstructive to perfection. In power they have shown themselves less capable of construction than they did as machines for obstruction. If the present Assembly had seen its way to a good team to fill their places they would have been swept from the Ministerial Benches long ago ; but there is no Vogel in the field, and poor Sir George, for speaking too faithfully the truth, has made eremies of a number of the monied class and large landed proprietors . Consequently he cannot command a sufficient following to enable him to secure a working majority. The other members —who are leaders of parties—are similarly situated, consequently the Hall Government remain in power. As we also stated that if Mr Hall could shelve the New Representation Bill, he would not pass it this session. So has it come about. The present Ministry knew quite well that a dissolution must follow. This means a new batch of members, and a new Ministry. It is not to be wondered at, therefore, that the House have uot pressed for this measure. Life is and what wiU a man not give for his life. Many of the members, as well as the Ministry know full weil that their terra of office would expire with adissolution or shortly after, therefore they have, by stratagem, managed to secure another session before they part company. Now that the Redistribution of Seats Bill is not to be passed this session, the sooner it is brought to an end the better. Every day only discloses more foolrr, and makes people laugh at'Ur lawmakers. Send them home and cloae the doors, and thus prevent further disgiace. Such a Minis ry an 1 such a Parliament New Zca'and never had before, and we

sincerely hope it will never see again