The Waikato Times AND THAMES VALLEY GAZETTE. Equal and exact justice to all men, Of whatsoever state or persuasion, religions or political. TUESDAY, AUGUST 20, 1889,

Waikato Times, Volume XXXIII, Issue 2669, 20 August 1889, Page 2

The Waikato Times AND THAMES VALLEY GAZETTE. Equal and exact justice to all men, Of whatsoever state or persuasion, religions or political. TUESDAY, AUGUST 20, 1889,

The debate on Mr Moss' amonclment to tlio motiou for tlio secoud reading of tlie Property Assessment Bill was brought to a close late on Friday night, and was lost 011 a division by >j'o to 37. Although thoro was a majority in favour of the Government, it was a narrow one, and goes to show how disorganised is the present House. The financial policy of tho Government is not yet free from farther attacks, for there is an intention 011 tho part of some honourable members to propose a variety of amendments when the Bill is in Committee, which wiil more or less traverse the Property-tax. Should that be the case, it means further delay in the course of legislation and a drcaiy prolongation of the session. With supporters, if their party can be so di signated, so weak - kneed and unreliable, with a House so strongly inimical to the Property-tax, as the late proceedings prove it to be, and with the country impatient and discontented with the conduct of Parliament and the state of political affairs generally, it appears to be hopeless for the Government to expect to carry out a sullicient amount of beneficial legislation this year. Ihey are occupying a position far from enviable, in which they are made merely tho sport of one faction alter another led by any political nondescript who imagines himself .such a heaven-born genius that the country will applaud his antics to the echo and beseech him to be its ruler. We cannot see what useful purpose can be served by the House continuing any longer in session, It is eeitaiu there was never throughout the late debate any approach to serious desire to replace the Property-tax, bad as that tux is acknowledged to be. There was not the faintest possibility of an

[nconie or Land-tax being introduced. In fact, the Opposition had no fixed ideas or settled plan throughout the waste of time beyond badgering the. Government, and posturing before the country in order to win popularity with certain sections of the people. The common-sense of the people has, 011 the other hand, been sickened by the whole spectacle; more on the present occasion than in proceeding years. Public opinion is reconciled to the painful facts that it can seek no remedy from Parliament for the dilliculties of the colony, that no policy applicable to the pressing requirements of the country can be forthcoming from a body, who, collectively, proclaim tc the world that neither wisdom, patriotism, nor politic il sagacity arc known quantities to it. If thr Government were to admit that tin narrow victory of Friday night was unsatisfactory and procured p dissolution, the country would nol condemn them for so doing, or the contrary,, it would be accepted as the most judiciouf. course to take, in order to allow tl:< oon-tituencies to elect a mote siscntativc ,assembly, embued with the dearest

interests of the colony. The people have lost faith in Parliament, and feel they can now re'.y only upon that portion of the Press which, by its independent and outspoken attitude, lias won their confidence and regard. It is to the Press that the community turns its earnest graze, as to a forlorn hope. True reform and salvation must conic from the Press, which needs must be the surest safeguard of the liberties of the people and the powerful engine to secure pure legislation and economical government in accord with the popular will. The Press mast educate the people first as to their duty towards themselves, must familiarise them with those important questions which so intimately affect the well-being of the whole community, which must be studied from a broad national point of view, and not from that contracted local and selfish standpoint which has till now caused so much evil. This is the task which the Press must be prepared to accomplish in all sincerity. The electors will then be disciplined for the next general election, when they will be called upon to choose a successor to the present Parliament. Taking to heart the lessons of the past, and storing in their minds the memory of the measureless mischief that lays at their door, by a careless and superficial selection of representatives, they will be better ahie to exercise _ a sound judgment and discrimination in the choice of men to till the role of legislators. And they must be men who will value it as the highest honour their fellow countrymen can confer upon them, and will he filled with the deepest sense of duty to their country. The Press mu t promulgate the future policy of the country, and create a solid public opinion in favour of the principles laid down for its guidance. The next Parlianieet must be in every respect a faithful reflex of the democracy, a complete embodiment of the will of the people. If we fail to gain such a Parliament at the coming time; if it proves another disappointment, and falls into the same way as others before it, representative institutions and constitutional government will be no longer desirable. The last straw will have been placed on our backs, and the people will be ripe for revolution. Press and people must stand together, otherwise we shall be overtaken by such a crisis, as will entail disaster upon us and our children.