MR MACANDREW INTERVIEWED.

Auckland Star, Volume XXIV, Issue 4325, 26 March 1884, Page 2

MR MACANDREW INTERVIEWED.

Rls Views on Curront Questions,

Although Mr Macandrew has of late years withdrawn somewhat from the prominent position he used to occupy in the New Zealand political world, he still remains a powerful factor in the fluctuation of parties, and must be regarded as the mouthpiece of a considerable section of the Otago public. For these reasons we "told off" a reporter to interview him yesterday with the view of oliciting his opinions upon the leading topics of general interest. Our reporter, having sent up his card, was affably received by Mr Macandrew, and at once proceeded to unfold his mission. The genial ex-Superintendent was rather averse to the publication of his views, and to any notoriety being imparted to his visit, inasmuch as it was ono of pleasure purely, and he desired to shun rather than court public attention. Besides, he intended shortly to address his constituents, when the people at largo would have an opportunity of ascertaining his mind upon any matter that Interested them. It was represented, however, that thore Were various subjects of local interest upon which feeling ran p__ttv high here, although they were treated with comparative indifference in the South Island, and that his ideas upon them would be welcomed. Insular Separation. Insensibly the conversation progressed, and upon the project of insular separation being opened up, Mr Macandrew unbosomed himself. He said s—" I have always been an advocate of local self-government, and while I should resolutely set my face against anything that threatened the unity of the colony,! would favour such a scheme of insular separation .as would secure separate ' financing for each island, and confer upon it an extonsion of the principles of selfgovernment. I think the feeling in tho South runs pretty much in the same direction. Indeed, it seems amazing to me that the people of Auckland and Otago have stood so long t__6 system of centralisation that now obtains. There used to be a strong alliance betweeu the. two places, but it seems of late years to have broken down. Tho abolition of the provincial form of Government weakened it very considerably. I do not know whether the time is yet ripe for insular separation, but at any rate if not, it is steadily approaching. The poople's toCs Only want to be trodden on a little longer, and then action in the direction of the end referred to will bo commenced in earnest.

Tbo Canterbury Formers' Agitation. Upon this matter Mr Macandrew had not much remark fo make. He said:—"l think the Canterbury farmers hdv. a real grievance. In the first place, the Government reduced tho railway rates on grain a year ago for tho purpose of buying political support, and now whon they feel themselves obliged to restore the original charges they bringdown a nest of hornets about their eafs. So far, thoro is not much feeling in Otago upon the subject, but the changes are bound to atfect the people there also.'' Turning to tlio question of the proposed

Amalgamation of City Constituencies throughout tho colony, Mr Macandrew expressed himself as being decidedly favourable to it. He had, in the first instance, fought against,tho present division of urban electorates, and when the representation was re-adjusted he had striven to have the cities continued as single constituencies. He was not strong enough to get this principle approved by Parliament. To his mind it was a fairer method than tho present one, inasmuch as it afforded minorities a better chance of representation, besides giving to the Cities their proper weight in the Senate, which at present they had not. Under such a system, Dunedin would not bo practically disfranchised, as sho was at preS-fit, through two of her members being ranged on trie Government side, and two on the side of the Opposition, the one party thus neutralising the influence and strength of the other. Direct Steam Service. When the conversation had advanced to this stage, the interest of - the people of Auckland in the 'Frisco mail service was remarked, and it was gently insinuated thnt an expression of mind with regard to it would be read with great attention. Mr Macandrew, smiling significantly, replied that he was known as the father of the direct steam service, and that, of Course, he would be disposed to assist in promoting its success. Still, he did not think that anything would be done in the matter during tho coming session, or that any serious effort would be made to disturb tho present 'Frisco service.

The Approaching Session,

! Having touched incidentally upon this I matter, several questions suggosted them- ; solves, which Mr Macandrew answered in more or less general terms. Ho saw no reason to anticipate any change in the leadership of the principal section of tho Opposition; Mr Montgomery still hold the position, and as he* had the sympathy and confidence of most of the party, would doubtless continue to lead. Ho,-for one, would be content to follow him. The Opposition wero not anxious to unseat the Cabinet before the dissolution. They preformed to lot them go before the country with tho full responsibility for tho entire ; regime upon thoir shoulders, and bearing with them all tho odium that their various measures and unfulfilled promises had called forth. The trial of strength would come ! When the electors wero appealed to at the end of tho session. Federation and Annexation. Upon those cognate questions Mr Mac--andrew doliverod-iimself briefly but pithily. Ho said that tho argurfients adduced for the purpose of persuading Now Zealand to consent to federate with the Australian colonies woro perfect fudge. New Zealand had nothing to gain, but much to lose by federation. He fully endorsed Sir George Grey's views upon the subject, and was prepared to support him in carrying them out. Somo further conversation of a more desultory kind ensued, in the courso of which Mr M&candreW reiterated his un- ! will iiigne-S to poso before the public as an assertive politician bent upon notoriety. Ho was also indisposed to wound the feelings of the people of Auckland by affirming opinions that might prove unpalatable to theill.

The reporter then thanked tho gentleman for his courtesy, Sfid ftftov an cxchango of good wishes withdrew.