The Tuapeka Times. SATURDAY, APRIL 24, 1869. "Measures, not Men."

Tuapeka Times, Volume II, Issue 63, 24 April 1869, Page 2

The Tuapeka Times. SATURDAY, APRIL 24, 1869. "Measures, not Men."

Mr. Brown, M.P.C., addressed a

meeting at Switzers on the 11th inst., and was enthusiastically received. The speakers' denunciations of the Executive were received with great applause, thus showing how wide-spread is the feeling of dissatisfaction with** the present — or, rather, late — Government. ;

The Town Council have at length taken steps for the formation of a Volunteer fire Brigade. They have taken so long a period to consider the matter, that great things are confidently expected. We trust the Insurance Companies will contribute largely to the fund, for defraying necessary expenses; and that all the young men in the district will come forward and volunteer. We hear that a local gentleman, who distinguished himself at a recent fire, or, rather, alarm of fire, will be appointed Captain, and that the ladies are to be appealed to for the necessary badges.

Cheese-paring economy is often only an attempt to conceal the most lavish extravagance. This is shown by the treatment tbe various upcountry municipalities have received from a Government which is willing to expend half a million sterling in a visionary railway scheme. "The subsidy is to be reduced this year by one-half; and not only this, but the .Government actually has the effrontery to demand a considerable sum of money from our own municipality for the completion of a work rendered necessary by its own gross carlessness. We trust Councillor Keen's resolution, which will be found in another column, will stir up the representatives of all the municipalities to vigorous and united exertion.

The " Government of Otago " is at present composed of Mr. John Hughes, who, by the sudden resignation of his colleagues, is left blooming alone. Mr. Hughes deserves credit for ,his courage and honesty, which enable him to face an adverse Council, while his companions seem to have thought discretion the better part of valour. One thing is certain : the example of Mr. Disraeli-has not been lost on his similarly-situated compatriot.

For the next week. Dunedin will present a scene of unwonted festivity, caused by the visit of H.JEI.H. the Duke of Edinburgh. We trust his welcome will be hearty enough j to prove the strong feeling of loyalty which is a strong characteristic of public opinion in this Province. At the same time, it is to be hoped that neither the necessity for economy nor the dignity which becomes a free people will be forgotten. The respect and affection *ill feel for our beloved Queen will be best displayed by proving ourselves worthy of self-government which has been conferred upon us, by avoiding all ilunkyism and ful- J some adulation.