THE Thames Guardian AND MINING RECORD. SATURDAY, OCTOBER 21, 1871.

Thames Guardian and Mining Record, Volume I, Issue 13, 21 October 1871, Page 2

THE Thames Guardian AND MINING RECORD. SATURDAY , OCTOBER 21, 1871.

The Government sustained a severe defeat on Thursday, the 12th, in the House of Representatives. The first of their Bills embodying their general policy was withdrawn, after a few hours’ debate, in which all sides of the House condemned it. The Bill was crude and undigested. It was, moreover, objectionable on the score of placing unconstitutional powers in the hands of Ministers. The measure was one of undisguised centralisation. It preserved the form of Provincial government and legislation, but reduced Superintendents and Councils to the position of mere puppets in the hands of the Government of the day. The condemnation of the-Bill appeared to be hearty and general, and not the least significent fact was this : that the Opposition came quite as much from the avowed opponents of Provincialism as from its friends. Mr. Vogel made a dexterous retreat. He was evidently hurt at the humiliating position in which he was placed. The keystone of his policy was unceremoniously rejected by the Constitution builders; and he has called a meeting of his supporters to take counsel with them as to what should be done. It is quite plain to political experts that the Government are not strong enough to force their policy on the House. The condition of the House is different from that of the late Parliament last session. Then the general election was coming on, and the Government had promulgated a scheme of lavish expenditure of borrowed money. Now, the elections have come of, and the glitter of the Government policy lias become dull. The lustre of the fine gold is dimmed, through the Brogden contract; and as the hope of profit from the loan expenditure fades away, conscience awakens in the breasts of politicians, and the Government policy is likely to be considered on its merits. Ministers cannot lead the House captive at their will, as they did last year; and although they may retain their seats during the present session, the days of then- administration are numbered. Up to the date of our latest advices, the Government had passed none of their measures. The Education Bill has been withdrawn. The consideration of the San Francisco contract, and of the vote : for this postal service in supply, have been postponed. The Brogden contracts are not brought up for consideration. The Provincial coercion and muzzling Bill has been stamped out of existence on the floor of the House; and the railway proposals are yet to be brought forward. The House has had Ministerial statements : “ sketchy and speculative” expositions of policy ; but the Bills are yet to be debated. Altogether, things do not look pleasant at Wellington. One of two things must be conceded, however, either the Government are unable to lead the House, or they mistrust their strength. The consequence is a waste of public time and money wholly uncalled for. Political jockeying would appear to be the forte of Ministers, combined with a good deal of bullying. They seem to care only for carrying their measures by a series of Parliamentary dodges. But the organisation of an Opposition led by Mr Stafford, and composed of the best men in the House, beyond all comparison, enjoying much of the sympathy of the more independent members, who are nominally ranked among the Government supporters, has rendered the ultimate success' of such tactics more than problematical.