THE Thames Guardian AND MINING RECORD. FRIDAY, MAY 24, 1872.

Thames Guardian and Mining Record, Volume I, Issue 195, 24 May 1872, Page 2

THE Thames Guardian AND MINING RECORD. FRIDAY, MAY 24, 1872.

A General Government “Gazette” published yesterday, convenes the Parliament of New Zealand “ l'or the dispatch of business,” on the 16th of July. This news has been already anticipated, but it is now officially confirmed, and we take it for granted that there will be no further prorogation. Again we wou'd call the attention of the constituency of the Thames to the unfortunate position in which they are placed by their only member’s prolonged absence in Australia. It is very necessary that the electors should have the opportunity of conferring with their representative on many topics affecting the welfare of the district before the session commences. Every day renders it more doubtful whether Mr O’Neill will have time to meet his constituents, even if he

manages to be in his place in the House when it again meets. We certainly think our member will not he using us well if he does not resign his seat, should he find it incompatible with his business to give us more of his time than he has hitherto done. We hear his absence made the subject of very general remark, and despite of Mr O’Neill’s personal popularity with a large section of the community, there can be no doubt whatever that a wide-spread feeling exists that the interests of the Thames are being neglected at his hands. It is hardly possible for him to deny this. It may be that he will yet return before the commencement of the session, and may to some extent make up by constant

attendance in his place in the House, and vigilance in watching the interests oi those who have reposed a great trust in his hands, for previous shortcomings ; and, in that case, nothing more will bo said ot the past. if, however, Mr O’ Neili only hurries back to Wei ington in time for the session, without previously paying us a visit, we certainly think tie will not have done all we had a right to expect from him, especially remembering the promise he made, which is yet unredeemed, that he would meet the electors, to g.ve them an account of his stewardship during last session. We say this in no unfriendly sp.rit to Mr O’Neill, hut in justice to those he represents. If the Thames

had its proper share of representation, it would be bad enough to have one of its members almost „ always away from the district, but when we have only one, it is far worse. There will be many questions to be discussed next session, virtually affecting the interests of this district. It is especially necessary that something should be done to give the Thames goldfield a larger share of revenue raised in the district. To bring this about various propositions have been suggested. A different system of administering the delegated powers has been pointed out as a possible panacea. The establishment of a municipality under a special Act adapted to the local wants of the

place, and the peculiar tenure on which the Gold Field is held from the natives, has also many advocates. It is certain that the present system of several divided road boards does not meet the requirements of the place—at all events of the township on the flat; and that some plan of being united under one head will, ere long, have to be adopted. The education question is one which is causing very general attention, and is of vast importance in a rising community such as we now have here at the present time ; and the views of our

representative on this point as well as others should be ascertained in order to see if they coincide with the views of the majority of our electors. The necessity of an adequate water supply is also apparent, and is a want which becomes more pressing every day. Upon this question Mr O’Neill should be well qualified to give an opinion which would, carry weight. Then the old battle of Provincialism versus Centralism will have to be fought, and a close contest is expected ; therefore it is especially needful that every member should be in his place in

the House. The Thames has certainly received ' scanty pickings from the Provincial Treasury, and it is worthy of very earnest consideration whether the. Thames would hot be

belt' r off without Provincialism, and under a Responsible Minister of Mines. These are all very important questions. If Mr O’Neill cannot give us more of his time and attention, he certainly, as we have said, ought at once to send in his resignation, and allow’ the electors of the Thames to' choose another member. A permanent resident on the field, identified with the interests of the place, and possessed of the ability to make his voice carry weight with it in' the house, should be selected. There are several here who would fulfil these conditions, and we have heard the names of more than one talked of, possessing the will and ability to serve the district efficiently as its Parliamentary representative. It will, however, be somewhat premature to mention names until the vacancy actually occurs.