The Westport Times AND CHARLESTON ARGUS. MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 1868.

Westport Times, Volume III, Issue 356, 21 September 1868, Page 2

The Westport Times AND CHARLESTON ARGUS. MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 1868.

After a very protracted debate, par ticulars of which, however are not to hand, Mr. Stafford has managed to defeat his opponents, and, as we learn by telegram secure a majority of seven. At the same time, with news of this majority, comes doubt of the ultimate result, for some members do not appear to have been quite compos mentis when the division was taken, if it is true as is alleged that they voted contrary to their intentions. At present the victory is by seven, but if this somewhat extraordinary statement in connection with it is true, the decison, may very easily be reversed. Possibly the Maori element, divided between their allegiance to the Native Minister, and their devotion to Mr. M'Lean of Hawke's Bav, may have wavered at the last moment, and repented themselves after having voted. If" honourable members " however, have so stutlifled themselves, the motion will be renewed, with what success has yet to be seen. We do not anticipate however, that any other decision will be arrived at, even if some blunderers have voted contrary to their convictions or intentions, for it is just as likely if mistakes have been made at all, they have been made on both sides. Assuming then the verdict will not be reversed, we may deem Provincialism with its present costly, cumbrous, and corrupt machinery, as doomed, and the bills promised by Mr. Hall, will put an end to a condition of affairs, that has been tried and found wanting, as far as being adapted to the present exigencies, and necessities of New Zealand. A system that was beneficial and even necessary, in the earlier days of the colony, when the number of settlers was small, and communication between the provinces and the chief seat of Government only maintained by small coasting craft, is no longer suitable to our requirements, and irs abolition has become imperative. A large intercolonial and coasting flee! of steamers now circle the island regularly and the electrir telegraph has just been added, and permits almost instantaneous communication between a large majority of the principal places in the colony By these means alone, many, and indeed, the chief reasons for provincial powers being extended, are now at an end. As we have repeatedly reminded our readers, the abolition of Provincial Councils and Provincial Executives which, as a rule, have been n< t'ung more than coteries where things are made pleasant for a select few of the favored ones, will not in the least decree deprive the various districts of local powers. On the contrary, they will possess them in a far greater degree, much authority ihxt is now vested in the Provincial Executives, being delegated directly to local hands. The almost entire control of the public works of the district will be given over to local bodies, and the formation of County Councils with very large municipal powers be encouraged to the utmost. These and other analogous bodies will more than meet all local necessities, and their operation will relieve the General Government of details that can be much better attended to on the spot, than even from a Provincial centre. Amongst the first places, it is to be hoped, that will avail themselves of the op ortunity of being erected into a county, is Westland, for however lightly our Nelson yoke has been borne, and however liberally the Provincial authorities may have dealt with us, it is very certain that we should manage our own affairs ourselves, better to our own satisfaction, than other persons, however well intentioned, could do for us. On this subject however, we have more to say at another time. It is put beyond all doubt now, that if Mr Stafford retains office, the threatened changes in the constitution of the colony will very shortly be made On that account alone, it is highly desirable that at thia crisis he should not be ejected from power; still as soon a 8 he has disposed of one enemy, another attack is made. The

latest is threatened by M r M'Leau, who has brought forward the following resolutions. " That this house views with alarm the position in which this colony is placed by the action of the G-eneral Government, relative to defence, and native affairs. The results of the debate on it, we have yet to learn, but there can be no doubt that Mr M'Lean has amicd at the most vulnerable part of Mr Stafford's policy, and nothing Out a very clear and satisfactory explanation can save him from defeat. Unless the ministry are prepared to act with the utmost determination and energy in quelling the native r< hellion the country will not be satisfied, and, though with regret on many accounts, would be anxious to see them turned out of power. Half measures of any kind will no longer be tolerated ; either the Government must declare their intention of setting to work in earnest to revenge the blood that has been she I, and to secure peace in future, or they must make way for those who will do so. Possibly if carrier), Mr Stafford might not consider it such a resolution as would necessitate his retirement from office, and he would bow to the decision of the House as to the future course to be adopted in reference to the native war ; if the desired result is arrived at by his acting in accordance with the wishes of the Assembly, then so much the better. Let it be which way it may. Mr M'Lean has done good service by bringing this very serious qnestion before the Assembly, so that that body may express an opinion on the manner in which the war has hitherto been conducted. What with this, and the alleged necessary adjustment of the late vote, the next political news will be of an exceedingly interesting character.