The Westport Times AND CHARLESTON ARGUS. In the cause of Truth and Justice we strive. THURSDAY, AUGUST 10, 1871.

Westport Times, Volume V, Issue 848, 10 August 1871, Page 2

The Westport Times AND CHARLESTON ARGUS. In the cause of Truth and Justice we strive. THURSDAY, AUGUST 10, 1871.

Under tho belief that constitutional checks had boon already provided by the New Zealaud Legislature to prevent the public moneys from being expended without the sanction of Parliament, enquiries are rife as to how the financial, requirements of the Government havo been met since the expiration of the financial year. It appears, however, that all unexhausted votes are passed to a reserve account on July 1, and until these have been expended tho Treasury is enabled to continue disbursements. In the matter of the salaries of Government officers, it is altogether different, as the vote never exceeds tho actual requirements for the current year ; aud consequently the salaries for July, and possibly August, must stand over until the passing of tho annual estimates, or if the money is advanced Ministers must ask for an Act of Indemnity. If the Government adopt this latter course they will have no difficulty in citing precedents in which unauthorised expenditure has been covered by an Indemnity Act. The principle, however, is in every way objectionable, since the Assembly thus practically abandons its right to control the disbursement of t'ie revenue and initiates a system, under which it would be possible to defer indefinitely the annual meeting of members to any time that might suit the convenience of individual Ministers.

Tho reason for tho delay is readily found. The fact that Mr Vogel's arrival has been definitely fixed for tho 19th instant, and that Parliament was not definitely convened until the 14th, leaves the question beyond doubt that is is alone the absence of the Colonial Treasurer which has delayed the session so long beyond the proper time. During his absence his colleagues have been equal to the performance of the business of the country, nothing having transpired- outside the line of dull, official routine. In fact, so little do we hear of Ministers and their doings that it may reasonably be asked whether such a number is actually required. Mr Vogel fills the respective offices of Colonial Treasure*, Commissioner of Customs, and Postmastet-Gteneral, and the triplicate duties have presented no bar to his lengthened absence in Europe. Mr Sewell's office is looked upon as a mere sinecure. The Hon. Dillon Bell, alter his successful mission

to Loudon as one of tlio New Zealand Commissioners, has been busily engaged at the recent session of the Otago Provincial Council. Dr. Featherston, his colleague, has resigned, having accosted the AgencyGenoral of the colony, and there appears to -be some difficulty in obtaining a successor, who shall bring sufficient strength and influence to the Fox Ministry. And of the Premier, so littlo is heard that reports of his retirement from the political aren a have been repeatedly circulated. Of Mr. M'Loan, we hear that he ia industriously visiting the Natives, and using his best efforts, by "judicious concessions " and a " wise spirit of conciliation," to impress the refractory tribes with the advantages attending their conforming to the Imperial rule. Upon Mr. Gisborne appears to have fallen an undue share of .the Wires of administration, and we hear continually, probably not without truth, that he is overtasked. When we contemplate the financial condition of the country aud its depression, the unwarrantable expenditure, and the unsatisfactory Btate of Native affairs, we thirik 'that the Ministers now in the colony acted wisely in waiting for the Colonial Treasurer to meet Parliament, and in entrusting to him the task of presenting disagreeable facts in the least objectionable guise to the country.