The Evening Star. PUBLISHED DAILY AT FOUR P.M. Ressurexi. WEDNESDAY, MARCH 25, 1885.

Thames Star, Volume XVI, Issue 5054, 25 March 1885, Page 2

The Evening Star. PUBLISHED DAILY AT FOUR P.M. Ressurexi. WEDNESDAY, MARCH 25, 1885.

Thb thought that popular Government is an unmixed blessing is beginning to cause serious doubt, and that the principle of legislative parties being formed is also leading in the same direction is, we fear, gotaewbat probable. In a recent number of a leading Australasian journal we read that a new party bearing the name of the "National Patriotic PartjofNew Zealand "is to be formed. The article we refer to, <&ives some of the planks in the platform of the proposed party, and states that some of the most laudable purposes set out in its preamble »re as follows:—" At the present time, when the whole civilised world seems*on« Tilled and disorganised, when, notwithstanding the various schemes which hare been - aat afloat, and the innumerable theories which ha*e been propounded, morality, prosperity, and happiness, seem j&o be retrograding, and vice, pauperism, and niiasrv steadily advancing, it becomes us, as intelligent bejpgs, to inquire why these things are so, and to organise and baud together fur the purpose of mutual

protection, and searching out tbe truth." In a later portion it is further put :— " Recognising, therefore, that ' self-pre« serration is tho first law of Dature,' and that in ' union there is strength,' we hare have constituted ourselves a party, to bo known as the ' National Patriotic Party of New Zealand/ for the "purpose dF; enlisting every intelligent resident in New • Zealand in the endeavor to educate themselves and the masses of the industrial population in a national, patriotis, and 1 self-reliant train of thought, in order that the minds of the rising generation may be protected from those great enemies of mankind—ignorance _ and prejudice, and properly equipped for the active political duties of life." Although clothed in somewhat doubtful terms, wo have an idea what the originators cf this movement really mean, and there appears to be even on the surface a few grains of common sense utilizable. There is not a particle of doubt that were such a party formed, having in view such healthy desires as are expressed, much material good would result. The selfishness of politicians and parties is becoming too too proverbial in the colonies, and even in older countries the ties of party are tob frequently used to thwart useful legislation, and prevent conscientious action on th 6 part o4 legislators, general and local, sent by people to attend to the interests of the masses, and not to gratify selfish-designs. Party government, as we have said, has many and great advantages, but it can be, and has been, grossly misapplied and made use of for personal ends. Honorable and patriotic' feelings have -been- sunk in order" to give prominence to self in many cases. The mutual assistance business amongst various grades of politicians has tended to prostitute the worthiness of party lines as originally formed. In our own colony we have every cause to complain of the welfare of the people being neglected for the gratification of personal ambition. Patriotism is unknown to us almost, and while this lament* able state of things is in existence, fare* well may be said to all thoroughly wholesome administration.