Tuapeka Times AND GOLDFIELDS REPORTER AND ADVERTISER THURSDAY, MAY 22, 1873. "MEASURES. NOT MEN."

Tuapeka Times, Volume 22, Issue 277, 22 May 1873, Page 4

Tuapeka Times AND GOLDFIELDS REPORTER AND ADVERTISER THURSDAY, MAY 22, 1873. "MEASURES. NOT MEN."

The idea as to what is and what is not constitutional, appears to be very vague in the minds of a good number of our Provincial Councillors. A more miserable exhibition of weakness of intellect and want of knowledge of the "fitness of things" has never before been paraded the world, than is presented in the proceedings of the Otago Provincial Council as enacted during the last fortnight. As regards the future, what is to be done is the grave question, and it may not be amiss to review the past, particularly respecting the six years enjoyed by Mr. Macandrew as Superintendent. (We use the word " enjoyed " politically, in its conventional sense, we imagine that so far as his Honor is concerned, it is out of place, considering all the badgering he has had.) We last week suggested a movement which, if made, would, we believe, bear good fruit; but we have seen no sign of public agitation, save that which restricts I itself to the corners of the streets, and which, consequently, is not fruitful for good, but rather the reverse. It appears that the Superintendent has taken a determined stand, inasmuch as he has refused to accept as his advisers the gentlemen named by Mr. Donald Reid. An attempt has been made to cast it in his Honor's teeth, that he would not accept the services of any gentlemen led by Mr. Eeid ; but this insinuation must be false, as want of courage has never yet been named as one of his Honor's failings ; and as the Superintendent sent for Mr. Reid to form an Executive, granted him several interviews, and gave him an abundance of time, the accusation that Mr. Reid's presence as a member of the proposed Executive was specially distasteful to his Honor is absurd upon the lace of it. The iacts are these: — The Superintendent, who is actually the representative of the people, possesses, and that to a most extraordinary degree, the confidence of the people, including all elates. Let us review. When Mr. Macandrew stood in 18G7, for the office since held by him, he carried itj by an overwhelming majority, agairist a gentleman of unimpeachable character, who held the position before with credit and distinction. That election was won by Mr. Macandrew, partly as what is usually known as " a people's man " — i.e., as a representative likely to favor the working and lower classes — and as such, he was largely opposed by the more wealthy of our citizens — particularly by the genus runholder ; and the election was also secured to Mr. Macandrew by reason of certain accusations raised against him, but which, being investigated, tended very largely to his popularity — particularly as they were prosecuted with most indecent vindictiveness. Mr. Macandrew served his term of office, and during it he proved, to the substantial satisfaction of his constituents, that he was not the special friend (politically) of any particular class, interest, or creed, and so gained the good -will of all classes, including many of those who, in 1867, opposed his return. And now for the result. In 1871, Mr. Macandrew's term having expired, he offered himself for reelection ; was opposed by our pseudo friend, Mr. Donald Reid, and Mr. Macandrew was again returned by a large niajority. Shortly after his defeat, Mr. Reid succeeded in obtaining the position of the leader of the Provincial Executive, and there we find hi oa doing all and everything in his power to thwart the real progress jof the province ; in a word, t\ib open enemy of the striving settlier, and the a /owed friend and bajeker of the grasping capitalist. This position Mr. Reid retained until] he was dismissed by the Superintendent (Mr. Reid, true to his character, having refused to resign). His Honor then appointed — as he was most undoubtedly empowered by the constitution to do — another Executive composed of gentlemen who have ever since, as! we last week remarked, conducted the business entrusted to them faithfully and well. Mr. Reid has managed to upset this Executive by dragging in his traiu a imraber of the member? of the Council, fully two-thirds of whom wotild be rejected were they now to go to their constituents, and hence the reason why they kick against the idea of a dissolution. His Honor boldly invites a dissolution, knowing well that the province will endorse his

acts, re-seat him, and unseat a large proportion of the malcontents who now oppose and thwart his Honor's administration. Much as we oppose provincialism, and warmly as we advocate its abolition, so long as it exists, we will uphold its proper and serviceable administration. This can never be carried out so long as a parcel of men, such as appear now to form the majority of the Council, are allowed to disturb and prevent the progress of public business, in order to secure to themselves a few more days' payment, at a rate unknown to most of them, save when the Council is in session. When will the public take this matter in to its own hands, and agitate for the abolition of such a ruinous state of things ? Shoul/ the Council be dissolved, we s : iaU, prior to the elections, speak pretty plainly, and shall not be afraid to use and refer to names with a very considerable amount of freedom. " Measures, not men," is our motto, and however much we may respect some men in private capacities, if we find them occupying or attempting to occupy places for which they are unfit, we shall not spare them. [Since the above was in type, his Honor has prorogued the Council, and thus with a firm hand asserted his authority. A very storm}'' scene took place when the prorogation was announced, a full report of which will be found elsewhere. That the dissolution will be granted we have not the smallest doubt, * although the Opposition are doing their utmost to induce the ActingGovernor not to grant it. We do not see what other course his Honor could, under the circumstances, have adopted, unless he was content to submit to be made a cypher of. In our next week's issue we shall enter more fulh' into the position of affairs, with special reference to the particular subjects dwelt upon by his Honor m his late opaniug a.ldrp^-, to die Council, and the poiky propoj-d^d by the Executive.] Captain F. W. Mackenzie, of Tappanui, writes to the " Daily Times " a few days ago on the subject of deferred payments for land. We reproduce his letter elsewhere. The Captain appears to be apprehensive of the Provincial Council forming large settlements on the deferred payment principle ; but with the Superintendent's address before him, where it is stated that the intention of the Government was to throw open a block of 2,500 acres at Tapanui, and a similar quantity of land in other districts, we do not think he has any cause for alarm. If the scheme proposed in his Honor's address to construct a railway from the Clutha to the Mataura, with a branch line to Tapanui is carried into effect, we imagine that 50,000 acres would not be more than sufficient to be thrown open on the principle of deferred payment in the Tapanui district, which is so admirably suited for agricultural settlement. »