BISHOP MORAN'S LECTURE.

Tuapeka Times, Volume III, Issue 217, 28 March 1872, Page 5

BISHOP MORAN'S LECTURE.

(To the Editor. )

Sir, — Bishop Moran took the opportunity when lecturing in Lawrence of expressing his views on government. According to his Lordship, the people in Cape Colony are ruled by a government in whose appointment they have no voice, and whose acts they can neither influence nor control. The executive is appointed by the governor, and holds -office only during his pleasure. He, again, is appointed by the Crown. So that the people of Cape Colony have no more say in the government of their country than in that of New Zealand or Honsj Kong, or any other dependency of the British Crown. This mode of government has the Bishop's approval, and he used all his influence in favour of perpetuating it, 'and he would if he could, Bee it introduced into this colony. We are not, he thinks, sufficiently enlightened to know what is good for us. We require some aristocratic sprig from Downing-street to decide what political blessing to give and what to withhold. It is certainly refreshing to come across any one who holds in these times of progress, representative government, and popular election, ideas of three centuries ago, when the doctrines of the right divine of kings to rule, and of passive obedience to them on the part of their subjects, wei*e in vogue. But the attempt of the Bishop 'to beat back the tide of opinion is still more refreshing than his effete political notions. Mrs. Partington, with mop and pattens, vigorously beating back the billows of the Atlantic, and Canute bidding the advancing tide to ebb at his royal command, are the only parallel instances which suggest themselves. The royal command had little effect on tho tide ; the Atlantic beat Mrs. Partington ; and the progress of knowledge, intellect, and common sense will prove tbo much, for Bishop Dor.

Moran. — I am, &., Tuapeka, March 26th.