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Tuapeka Times, Volume V, Issue 229, 20 June 1872, Page 4

:olony. Besides which, those composing the party, though agreed on ;he one point, that provincialism is >layed-out, differ considerably as to :he mode of government to be substituted in its stead. The provincial party, though reduced to a "faithful tew," is compact, well organised, possesses faithful leaders, and is determined to. fight to the death against innovation. It is backed up with all the influence of the Superintendents, their "tails," and that of the noble army of officials whose livelihood depends upon the continuance of provincial institutions. The Government is placed in a veiy embarrassing position in regard to this question. It was placed in office by the provincialists, and although its policy necessitated the transference from the provincial to the colonial authorities of some of their most important functions, and it has exhibited a disposition to further curtail provincial powers, it has always received a large amount of support from that party. Its position is not sufficiently secure to enable it to risk losing even a very few votes. It is therefore improbable that it will introduce any thorough measure of reform. We believe, however, that Mr n Vqgel would gladly sweep away prtmncialism, did not the exigencies of his position preclude his^^^g^ taking the task. j '^^^^^^ It seems clear, then, that if the question be left to the General Assembly, the existence of provincial institutions will be considerably prolonged. That such should be the ca s e, can be regarded in no other light than as a public calamity. Knowing that provincialism is doomed, and that its extinction is merely a matter of time, our provincial rulers have become reckless, and have evidently resolved that the remainder of their official existence shall be exceeding merry. Their conduct can only be compared to that of sailors on board a sinking ship breaking into the

[ grog-room, in order to have a grand spree before they perish. While the General Assembly will be discussing the question, the provincial Executivesjwill be having a very ! jolly time of it in sacrificing -the estates of their respective provinces and squandering the proceeds. That they have already entered upon this course is apparent to even the most casual observer of passing events; and they will pursue their destructive career till provincial institutions are wiped out, or the--provincial estates are all disposed of. The uncertainty attending our future political organisation has a most prejudicial effect on business generally. Settlement is prevented, enterprise checked, and feelings of distrust and doubt engendered among all classes highly unfavourable to industrial pursuits. Until| the question of provincialism /or centralism is decided, the colony cannot make headway. Seeing that it is imperative the matter should be speedily settled, and that there is very little chance of the General Assembly doing so, there remains but one course open — an appeal direct to the people. No fitter occasion, could vfise for a jjlebicite. The question involves organic changes in the constitution of the country amounting to revolution, and to decide it the voice of the people, which is the voice of God, ought to be invoked. The objections ordinarily urged against submitting questions to the popular vote do jiot apply in this case. The subject has been well considered, and most men have made up their minds upon it. We commend our suggestion to the powers that be as one worthy of adoption. If adopted, it will settle the most important question before the colony at- once and for ever.

We earnestly recommend all who can -by any means make it convenient to attend the lecture on Government Life Assurance, to be given by Captain Baldwin, to-night, at the Lawrence Athenaeum. The lecture itself, we can with confidence say, will be interesting aud instructive, and its subject is one fraught with deep importance to the community. The scheme has now been before the colony a considerable period, and wherever Captain Baldwin has explained its provisions, it has met with general favour, and large numbers have taken advantage of it. Its popularity and the success which has attended its working we look upon as' in. no small degree owing to its accessibility, ; to the fact that it is placed within the reach of every one, without any of that red tapeisia or circumlocution which usually surrounds Government projects. It is brought home to a man's very door. The modus ■operandi is simple. The applicant fills in the proper form,