THE NORTHERN TRUNK RAILWAY.

Waikato Times, Volume XIX, Issue 1584, 29 August 1882, Page 3

THE NORTHERN TRUNK RAILWAY.

TO THE EDITOK. Sm, — There will be but one feeling of surprise not unmixed with imliguation, throughout Auckland Provincial Uistriot, when it becomes generally known that the Treasurer himself has cairied a pioviso to the North Island Tiunk Railway Bill, whicli practically nullifies the whole Public Works programme of the Government, so far at least as that measure, the most important whicli has ever been introduced for the benefit of the Noith Island, is concerned. That the proviso has been inserted under pressure, no one will doubt for one moment, and although I never gave the Treasurer credit for pusillanimity, thcie will be a feeling throughout the colony that the Government are more careful about their seats than the advancement of the North Island Railway. After the repeated assurances of the Treasurer, implying, if not actually stating, that the Government staked their existence upon the Loan Bills, of which this one was given the first place, I feel my faith most severely shaken, and like Bob Acre's valour, "oozing out of my finger-ends, "' for no one knows better than the Treasurer that this little proviso, innocent as it may appeal*, practically means diopping the North Island Railway project for some years to come. People were prepared heartily to thank the Government for their determination to carry out the original Public Works policy to the full, and thus maintain the public honor and good faith of the colony, and in the innocence of their hearts actually believed that the weant what they said when, in answer to the question of the member for Parnell — whether they would give the House au opportunity for discussing the whole question of further borrowing ?— the Treasurer said that he approved of the discussion, etc., but that if it meant altering the loan proposals of the Government, they would have to consider their position. Verily, it appears they have considered their position, and seeing, after careful consideration, reconnaisance, counting of noses, etc., that it was not quite so secure as it might be, have determined, like careful generals, to look out for their retreat, and place the obnoxious measure in such a position that it could Igo by the board if necessary. I venture .^Jbo^warn ,the Government that faith once "lost is bard to be regained, and that this \, little proviso has dealt a serious blow at ,', the* prestige of the Whitaker administration. Looking calmly .at the course of OVSifltffwia ft distance, weoa^eyhafcs,

better judge what will be the effect on the public mind than those who are engaged in the active duties of political warfare, for, unfortunately, it is political warfare which seems most to engage the attention of our members, and not the administration of the affairs of the country. I have always given the Government credit for being careful and economical administrators, for being financially the most successful Ministry which has been in power for many years, for having honestly carried out the Libcial progiamme so long before the count i y, mea.Miies they were still further completing by the Rating and Highway Boards Bills now before the Hotiso ; nevertheless I venture to predict that the first important sign of weakness has been given, and that the proviso will pio\c the fir&t nail in their political coffin. I .on fully convinced that both the Fiemier and the Treasurer are as anxioub as ever that the North Island railway should be carried through, and that they will use every endeavour to neutialize the b.ul effect of the unfoituu.ite pioxiso, for before this time they will have disco vcied that it was a fatal mistake. Of that they could not have had a better proof than the division on itself, when 55 voted for it, with cheers which I piesmne wore in most cases nonical, That they will be able to avoid <uiy immediate set ious effect from their change of iiont I am quite aware, but it is because the Opposit-on arc without a licid, and their consequent weakness maintains their opponents in power. For a (.iovcrnment so skilled and experienced in party tactics to make such a blunder it, passing strange. Even supposing they could not have carried the Loan Bill, and they had considered their position in the usually accepted meaning of the term, the natural lesult would have been resignation, followed by an appeal to the country. That the country would have supported them there can be no reasonable doubt. This would probably have been the least risk, for, however much I would deprecate the evils of another election, from the temper of Parliament there was very little chance of the Council passing the bills. But the charm is broken now ; they have given unmistakeable signs of weakness and a deshe to cling to office with undue tenacity, and their political honor onco tarnished, like the down on the buttei fly's wing, no art or sophistry of man can remove the impression. No doubt on the hustings it could be satisfactorily shown that they were influenced by public considerations alone, but man is naturally an unbelieving animal where faith is once shaken, and I venture to think they will meet with small thanks for the concession from any part of the colony, least of all from those in whose intcicst it was made. As things stand now, I consider the North Island Loan Bill to have been viitually diopped. What course the local members will take will not r\en .surmise, but one may ventiue to lcmind them that the eyes of all Waikato aic on them, and that the electors will expect them to consider paity obligations arc as nought when the good of the colony is at stake.— l am, etc., Edward G. McMixx.

Mr S. S. (Jrahain, Tamahore estate, ofFcis circular head potatoes, splendid sample, delivered within .1 radius of 5 miles, at £3 5b per ton.