THE Evening Star. PUBLISHED DAILY AT FOUR O'CLOCK P.M. Resurrexi. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 3, 1879.

Thames Star, Volume X, Issue 3364, 3 October 1879, Page 2

THE Evening Star. PUBLISHED DAILY AT FOUR O'CLOCK P.M. Resurrexi. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 3, 1879.

THEdebateuponthe No-Confidence motion still occupies the Parliament, and from the report of the speeches very little light has-been thrown upon the question at issue. The Opposition speakers all assert in a round about way they could manage the affairs of the colony better than the occupaots of the Government benches have done, bufc give no reasons, other than bare assertions, for their opinions. A few complaints of neglect, principally of local wants, of course, are lodged, but such are of the most trivial nature, proving the fact that more serious ones do not exist. The position seems to be personal dislike to Sir G. Grey, and a selfish desire for office. The Hon. Mr Gisborne as reported in last night's issue, plainly accused the so-called Liberal Opposition of a desire to reintroduce the system of allowing private negotiations for native lands, a system which led to the greatest abuses, and which would effectually prevent the very Liberal land measures included in the programme of the Government becoming the law of the country. Mr DeLatour quoted in support of his remarks from the speeches of Mr Hall, when a member of the Upper House, in which that gentleman then gave as his opinion, " that it did not follow that those who lived under the laws had any claim to a share in making them." 3 rery little liberality of sentiment indeed is shown in such a remark, aud we believe that the boasted liberality of feeling said to actuate the Opposition as a whole is of a similarly mild character. It is all very fine for the Opposition to declare they always held the Liberal views now demanded by the country, but the fact remains that, they, while in power never took steps to give to the peoplo the privileges and rights they now admit the latter are entitled to. Little dependence is to be placed upon the sincerity of persons who by their actions for years never showed the possession of feelings which by the stern logic of facts, and the requirements of the colony are now demanded of them; nor are persons admired who accepting the suggestions, and taking advantage of the labors of others, show tho blackest ingratitude, instead of giying credit where credit is due. The fact cannot be denied that to Sir George Grey the country is indebted for tho introduction of the present Liberal policy, and notwithstanding the assertions of those who find they must accept that policy, the people at largo will never forget that fact. The majority of tho members of the Opposition, were they not blinded by the sophistry of their leaders, who are solely actuated by selfishness and a desire for power, should bo independent enough to declare that unless good and sufficient reasons were shown for tho statements of incapacity, or glaring instance of lnal-

administration on the part of the Governmen}, ;\ fuir opportunity should in-granted Cor thn uuJiora of Hie measures to administer their provisions.