PROVINCIALISM v.THECOUNTY SYSTEM.

Tuapeka Times, Volume 1, Issue 43, 5 December 1868, Page 3

PROVINCIALISM v.THECOUNTY SYSTEM.

(To the Editor of the Tuapeka Times.) Sir, — I confess I have been rather surprised that no answer has appeared to my last letter. Has Provincialism so thoroughly disgusted its former supporters, that, not one feels inclined Ito advocate its cause: such appears to be the case, and I for one am not sorry for it. The shameful and barefaced manner in which the revenue from the Goldfields has been appropriated without any attempt being made to benefit the districts from which it was derived, must excite indignation in the mind of every right-thinking man, and convince him of the urgent necessity for a system of local self government. Besides sir, does it not strike you as j absurd, that a province containing barely 45,000 inhabitants, should have ! to pay for all tho expensive machinery j of two representative governments, i when the work might, be done more! cheaply, and more efficiently, by local unpaid bodies like the County Commissioners of Supply at home. It reminds me strongly of children playing at politics. VV hat I vrould advise, is, that a special general meeting of the Land League be called at once, for the purpose of taking steps to having Tuapeka and Mount Benger proclaimed a county, and to have them thus emancipated from the galling yoke of Provincialism. It is surely to the advantage of every man to pay as few taxes as possible, and what I propose is an easy and ready method of diminishing the tax-payer's burden. I trust you may be able to find a corner for this, and remain, yours &c,. A Provincialist.