The Evening Star. PUBLISHED DAILY AT FOUR P.M. Resurrexi. SATURDAY, JUNE 25, 1881.

Thames Star, Volume XII, Issue 3897, 25 June 1881, Page 2

The Evening Star. PUBLISHED DAILY AT FOUR P.M. Resurrexi. SATURDAY, JUNE 25, 1881.

It ifl quite plain that Ministers are playing a waiting game, and that they are not to be forced to show their hand, till they think the proper time has arrived, is quite apparent by the move made by the Colonial Treasurer before Mr Murray's notice of motion came on. Major Atkinson stated " That after he had given his Financial Statement, the Government were prepared to make known their views upon the local government question." This course was, in parliamentary tactics, quite justifiable, and had the effect of stifling, in a measure, the discussion on the resolutions of Mr Murray. It was somewhat like an appeal to the House to give them fair play; not to prejudge them, but to give them time. No doubt the Ministry are trusting in the meantime that a chapter of accidents may arise to save them, or at least give them a fair opportunity to escape a question they are evidently not inclined to take up. Mr Ormond, at last, got an opportunity fc> fire his charges, and, the result only shows how nicely Sir George Grey anticipated both the Speaker and Mr Wakefield when he referred to the question in speaking on the address in reply. Mr Ormond, however, is prepared to go in for a sweeping reform, and apparently from one extreme to the other, from centralism to a full control of local affairs by local authorities. He suggests that the administration of the waste lands, the determining of the question as to what land should be opened up for settlement, the powers under the Education Act, and the distribution of charitable aid, the control of charitable institutions, and the management of the railways! should all be placed under the oontrol of the local governing bodies. This is certainly a total change of opinions, for Mr Ormond Was a most determined advocate for the abolition of the provinces and the administration of colonial affairs from Wellington. It is just possible that notwithstanding the demands made from all sides of the House, that the question will not be dealt with this session. The importance of the subject, the probable want of any agreement among the Cabinet on the principles to be advocated, and the value of such a question as a cry on the eve of a general election will no doubt weigh with the members of both sides of the House in seeking the postponement of the question. <j