THE Evening Star. PUBLISHED DAILY AT FOUR O'CLOCK P.M. Resurrexi. FRIDAY, MAY 21, 1875.

Thames Star, Volume VII, Issue 1990, 21 May 1875, Page 2

THE Evening Star. PUBLISHED DAILY AT FOUR O'CLOCK P.M. Resurrexi. FRIDAY, MAY 21, 1875.

. The Provincial Council of Auckland have declared in favor of. the abolition of the Provinces by a majority of four or five. There was no debate. The mover, Mr Bagnall, introduced his motion, and after > waiting for some time the Speaker called upon the mover to reply, according to parliamentary usage, but there was nothing advanced to reply to. A faint

show of opposition manifested itself at the last moment, an adjournment being asked for, but Mr Speaker ruled that it was too late. The division then took p^ace, with the result above stated.

This decision has completely upset the calculations of everyone. It was quite expected a warm debate would follow the introduction of the abolition proposals in any form. It was quite natural to expect a good show of fighting.- The Superintendent's personal opposition would, it was thought, be backed up by a strong party, if.not a majority in the Council. The passing of such a resolution as Mr Bagnall's in a full Council,- without any debate—without a word for or against ex- ■ cept what was said by the mover, was therefore unexpected, and quite different to what was imagined would be the case. The Provincial Secretary intends moving to rescind the resolution. He may do so and be successful, but it will not alter the complexion which yesterday's proceedings gave to the abolition question; it will, :however. make the, Council appear in a ridiculous light, without rendering any support to Sir George Grey, or strengthening his hands in attempting to uphold Provincialism. Although :we do not place much value on this decision of tho .Council, we believe it expresses the feelings of the inhabitants, and if the proposal to negative what has been done should be carried, the record will still remain that a majority of the Council declared for abolition and a new form of local f elf-government. So much had been expected from the Auckland Council, however, that the result will quite astonish those who have been accustomed to look upon Auckland as the stronghold of opposition to the abolition proposal. As we have frequently said we do not attach any great value to the pronouncements of Provincial Councils on this question, but there are others who differ from us, and assume that the people should give an opinion through their representatives in the Council. If Sir George Grey entertains this opinion he will now have to abandon his own convictions in deference to: the express will of the people, as be promised he would do, although " greatly attached to Provincial institutions." We are sorry the motion of Mr Bagnall passed without debate, for one reason. We" should .like to have heard from the Thames representatives the arguments that prevailed with them to vote as they—three in favor of abolition and one against it. If the subject should be dragged up again by the Provincial Secretary we shall most likely have the satisfaction denied to us during the first consideration of the .subject, as it will not be again passed, or rescinded by the councillors without some reasons for the faith that is in them.