A POLITICAL GROWL.

Westport Times, Volume III, Issue 590, 7 December 1869, Page 2

A POLITICAL GROWL.

(To the Editor of the Westport Times ) Sir, —It would seem that the institutions of a country may as easily be too far in advance of a people as be too far behind the age —that institutions of a liberal character are not only useless but retrograde and dangerous unless the genius of the people be equal to conduct them wisely and carefully guard them from the pitfalls of selfish corruption which has sapped and overthrown the greatest empires. Provincial institutions would seem to be suited for a people of a higher intelligence in political matters than the inhabitants of these isles possess ; yet with a Superintendent with the talent of a "Washington they would be useful and progressive in spite of the general apathy of the people. But in the hands of a Curtis, who gains popularity in the politically powerful half of the Province at the expense of the other half—who panders to the benighted settlers with promises of artificial prosperity which he is aware can never be realised—who is content that one section of the community shall pay three times the taxes of the other section of the community—who is without a thought for the welfare of the working bees, and divides their ac-

cumulations ainougst the drones —a far different state of things exists. Such a one takes from us any remnant of liberty we have left, and lowers his own dignity to the level of the meanest demagogue. Now the changes proposed by the Provincial Council of Canterbury will benefit the mining interests nothing, unless we also be represented iu the Council in proportion to the revenue we pay. If this were also extended to the House of Representatives, it would no doubt be a most beueficial arrangement for the Colony at large, infusing new life blood into the stagnant body politic, and naturalise the sleepy humdrum life of the selfish squatter and settler. For what purpose were these isles created? Was it for the purpose only of exchangeiug gold and wool for British merchandise ? for that is all we are doing. Or was it for the noble purpose of providing a home for an independent race of men who would make them a country to be proud of? As it is we are doing all we can to encourage the first, and all we can to prevent the second. Great would be the benefit conferred on us were we educated up to the pitch required and really interested in inducing our rulers to attend to all the branches of good government. Institutions would then modify themselves suitably to our wants, and men be found to conduct public affairs in a true patriotic spirit. Class legislation would cease, and the ill-paid occupation of gold-digging no longer be compelled to pay more taxes thau the lucrative occupation of wool-growing, and prosperity would follow with one half the labor that now attends penury. Citizen. ( Mr English News see Supplement)