The Tuapeka Times. SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 1870.

Tuapeka Times, Volume II, Issue 104, 5 February 1870, Page 4

The Tuapeka Times. SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 1870.

" Measures, not Men." Considerable discussion in the colonial press has been elicited consequent upon the issue of a circular by Mr. Charles Hulke, of Wanganui. That gentleman makes a proposal to memorialise the Assembly not to pass the estimate for the Governor's salary any longer, on the plea that the Home Government have withdrawn the very assistance which was so much required in the present crisis of New Zealand affairs. Mr. Hulke deserves credit fox his pluck, if not for his knowledge, in making such a bold proposition. It was left for the Otago "Times," however, to point out that the item of the Governor's salary is fixed by the Civil List Act, and that before any change can be effected in that List another Act must be passed. Supposing the law were altered and this item omitted, the " Times " saya it would be tantamount to a declaration of independence ; but why it should be so our contemporary wisely avoids stating. Surely if the colony is worth anything, commercially, to the mother country — and it appears she looks upon her offspring onlyjm. this light — the least she can do is to supply a Governor at her own expense. The sum in. question, £4,500 a-year, is no small item in the expenditure of the colony, and as no material assistance is received from the Home Government in exchange for the amount* it is not unreasonable to ask them to pay their own representative. From all that has recently transpired — from Lord Granville's despatches and from the London press — it is very certain that the Imperial Government have decided upon withholding any and every kind of support which the colonies*' may in all reason and justice demand,, and leave them to light their own bat-i ties, whatever may be the consequences. But although we cannot^ as a colony, get our own way in. retaining a regiment of troops who have proved of very little service ta us, it would be very silly on our

part to act the prodigal son—declare our independence and leave our father's house. It is well known the policy of the present Home Government does not represent the absolute and unchanging will of Great Britain, and that there is a large minority who have strongly protested against the cold and selfish conduct of the powers ihat be towards New Zealand. English news by this week's mail shows this opposition to be rapidly increasing in strength, and probably it may before long assume an attitude alarming to the Government, and. eitiier bring forth concessions from them or be the cause of their overthrow. Which ever way public opinion may turn the balance, New Zealand is sure to be the gainer. A MATTER of very great concern to ithe Tuapeka and Mount Benger .districts was brought before the Lawrence Town Council on Wednesday last by His Worship the Mayor. We refer to the urgent necessity of having something done, -before another winter comes round, -towards reducing the gradients|of -the two big hills on the Beaumont -and Teviot-road. These hills are •well known to travellers, and are •.the special dread of draymen and waggoners; indeed, there is little .doubt they have been the cause of the traffic to another and much, longer route to the Dunstan. If the the matter is properly represented to the Government, we believe they will find ways and means *o expend £300 or £400 qn this >really necessary work. The Town deserve the thanks of the public for agitating a subject which, .although it does not come directly within the province of their duty, •clearly affects the prosperity of the Tuapeka and Mount Benger Goldfields.