The Tuapeka Times. SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 1869. " Measures, not Men."

Tuapeka Times, Volume II, Issue 84, 18 September 1869, Page 2

The Tuapeka Times. SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 1869. " Measures, not Men."

" Where are you going, you scoundrel ? " demanded the indignant proprietor of an orchard of a Scotch pedlar, caught in the act of squeezing himself through a gap. " Bock again !" was the instantaneous reply, and the action was suited to the word. Whatever may be said against Mr. Macandrew, he cannot be accused of possessing a smaller stock of prudence than his applestealing compatriot. At the last meeting of the Executive Council, he gave, as will be seen from what follows, a conclusive proof of his skill in this kind of strategic valour. It is quite unnecessary to rehearse here the history of the Hundreds Regulation Bill; suffice it to say that Mr. Macandrew supported that measure during its passing through the House of Representatives as zealously as any paid promoter could have done. Unfortunately, his exertions in this respect were neither appreciated nor approved by the people of Otago ; and in order to regain his popularity, Mr. Macandrew has, after futile attempts in the roles of injured innocence and virtuous indignation, been compelled to descend to sackcloth and ashes. The eloquence and logic of his Executive Council proved too much for him ; he saw everything in a new light ; has confessed he was wrong, and promised never to do the like again. This wonderful conversion took place on the 11th inst. ; and the proselyte, to prove the fervour of his convictions, volunteered his services to obtain the rejection of the obnoxious Bill by the Governor. " We fdar the Greeks bringing gifts," and after the many instances of trickiness in Mr. Macandrew's political career, we may be excused for doubting the honesty of his motives or the bona fides of his services. A weather-cock can only be depended on as long as the wind blows from one direction ; and we fear if Mr. ] Macandrew is " got at " by any of j the squatters he wiil be found' no more reliable. But even supposing this sudden change of opinion arose from honest conviction, and not from a hankering after the plunder, the question will naturally arise whether a man so evidently unable , to form any opinions of his own is qualified

to hold a responsible 'and important office. To use the treason and distrust the traitor is a Macchiavellian. precept embodying a profound truth. r Mr. Macandrew has betrayed 'on both sides ; has shown himself as accomplished a ratter as the ipir^ Mortal Billy; the result is iha%, however willing either party may be to use him as an instrument, no one will in future calculate on his support with any confidence. He is so evidently weakminded that anything like invective would be entirely out of place, and we beg most sincerely to apologise for ever having attempted to break this unfortunate butterfly on the -wheel. - We have laboured under the common delusion that Mr. Macandrew was a man of considerable ability, but recent events have undeceived us. How, indeed, can we reconcile the lowest modicum of brains with the vacillatipns of the last few months ? First, we have the sudden ohange consequent on the fall of the Yogel Government; next comes the visit to Wellington, and an entire change in opinion consequent on the blandishments of the runholders ; now, we have the return to Otago, and a third change of opinion within as many months. What on earth can be done with this Polonius whose senses are entirely at the service of all men and all parties ? He must be got rid of somehow; but, unfortunately, the Executive are too fond of their salaries to adopt the only honourable means by which Otago might be deliverd of its weakminded Superintendent.