The Waikato Times AND THAMES VALLEY GAZETTE. SATURDAY, JUNE 22, 1880.

Waikato Times, Volume XXXII, Issue 2644, 22 June 1889, Page 2

The Waikato Times AND THAMES VALLEY GAZETTE.

SATURDAY, JUNE 22, 1880.

Kqnal and exact justice to all men, Of whatsoever state or persuasion, religious or political.

fine third session of the tenth parliament of New Zealand was opened with the usual ceremonies on J.'hursduy, and Lord On-slow may bo <aid to have thus (mteroil upon that practical acquaintance with the political character of a aelf-govern-ng, constitutional colon}', which it las been tho declared purpose of lis coming' Itoru to study. We mblisiiod His Excellency's speech ni the occasion in an extra, and it

will also be found, in cxtemu, in our Parliamentary news to-day. The vicu-regal address at tho formal opening of a session is always, for tho most part, prepared for tho Governor by his responsible advisers ; ho is merely tho mouthpioce of the Ministry of the tlay, and the interest attached to the Speech lies

in that it is expected to contaiu sonic authoritative indication of the existing position of the country and of the future policy of tiie Government. The Speech just presented to us exhibits the sole authorship of the Premier, His Excellency has not interfered with its text; indeed, as the Governor explains, lie has been so short a I Line iu the colony that he cannot bo expected to be sulliciently familiar with its internal ali'airs to trust himself to give any personal opinion. The Speech from the Throne always affords tempting food for criticism, and is often made the occasion of bitter attacks upon the Government, its real author. It has, therefore, been genetally the practice with timid Ministries, or those with uneasy consciences, to supply in the Speech as little material as possible for the assaults of their enemies; hence, the public is accustomed to productions of the baldest description. We do not think the charge can be preferred against the Speech with which Lord Onslow welcomed the members of the Assembly. Although not devoid of opportunities for the critic, speaking candidly, we regard the Speech before us as a plainspoken one. It is a practical and fair exposition of the policy of the Government, consistent with the new departure in the public administration the country has adopted. There is this contrast between it and its immediate predecessors that there is no attempt to gloss over the real position of the colony and to deceive the peopto by misrepresenting the true state of affairs. The Government aro honest enough, or have the good sens", to know that the country will no longer submit to mere tickling delusions; that it meanf, to have straightforward business, as far as is practicable.

Much to be found iu the actual Speech had beou anticipated in the Press by au accurate forecast furnished by correspondants in Wellington. It is gratifying, and perhaps fortunate, that Lord Onslow should bo enabled to inaugurate his rule as Her Majesty's representative, confronted by so auspicious a general outlook as is presented by the colony at this moment. His Excellency knows the misfortunes of. the depression only by report; therefore, his address, echoing the feelings of his Government, contains nothing gloomy or despondent. Its tone is in accord with the more elastic spirit which pervades the olouy from North to South. It is natural the Government should refer to the improved conditions of the country, for which they give credit to the people, as well as claim some honour for themselves. The past year has been full of unexpected opportunities and fortuitous advantages which have assisted materially to turn the current of prosperity in our direction ; and this lias been the case independently of the acts or policy of the Government, but of which they, as well as the people, have received the benefit. The Speech alludes felicitously to the return of confidence both within the colony and at Home, and points to the increase in. the exports and the activity in trade as likely to increase its capital and income. But it is silent on. or seems to forget, the fact, that we have not yet succeeded iu winning hack that flow of foreign capital so necessary for the development of our great natural resources, and which is still kept at a distance by the prohibitory operations of the Property-tax. The Speech will bear the interpretation that the Government of Sir Harry Atkinson reluctantly admit the baneful influence of the Tax, and recognise the force of its unpopularity. The Premier, however, clings to his off-

spring with tenacious affection, declares there is nothing equal to it for providing revenue, and as a pence-offering, is willing to make some alterations in the Assessment Act with which the Tax is associated.

Wo readily concede the Goyeniment all tliey claim for the progress made ia land settlement during their mf/win ; but, we consider they have made no more than a beginning in the real work ef settlement which should reach a stage of much greater activity. Before the maximum results can be gained, the railways have to be recognised as the great factor, and a tariff framed to conform with the absolute requirements of a nevy country panting for an increase of settled population. We do not desire to quarrel with the new Railway Board; on the contrary, it is our wish to see them afforded eyery facility in carrying out their onerous functions. The railway policy, however, lias to be made a vital one in our national considerations, for it affects our whole economy as materially as do the questions of Education, State - borrowing, Retrenchment, ifcc.

There can be no doubt in anyone's mind as to the restoration of our credit in England. It is clue to the policy insisted upon by the country, and, so far, pursued by the Government, and the fact is a convincing proof that there can be no deviation from the course, and that the Government must remain firm as the ones chosen to put into effect the. will of the people.

What wo have: .sakl does not exhaust the review that can bo taken of the rice-regal Speech, which, on the whole, is characterised by an exhibition of unwonted vigour and a desire to adhere to the principles of honest and economical government so much needed by the people of New Zealand. We cast no doubts on the good intentions of the Ministry, but are willing to believe they are sincere in their efforts to do what is best for the colony.