SOUTHLAND.

Press, Volume IV, Issue 486, 20 May 1864, Page 2

SOUTHLAND.

The Daily News is extremely indignant at the inefficiency of tho Executive, to which it ascribes the present financial embarrassments of the Province. In an article, in its issue of the sth instant, that journal says:— Tt is the plain anil imperative duty of the Executive to steer the province clear of its difficulties; to maintain its domestic and public credit; to save it from the calamity of a stoppage of its public works—or to admit their incompetency to do this, and give way to men more capable. It is high time that the plain truth should be spoken. There is at present an almost universal want of faith in the capacity of the governing powers, if not indeed in their earnestness and the sense of the critical situation of affairs. AYe possess a Treasurer of whose financial abilities the public know little: an Executive Council about whose proceedings the most profound mystery prevails; a Superintendent who wraps around him the mantle of an impenetrable reserve. Dr. Menzies was elected to the office of Superintendent in quiet and hopeful times. The province was grateful to him for his services rendered in elFecting its independence. It held him in respect for his personal character and his proved ability. It does so still. But can the Superintendent be blind to the fact that altered times have come, and that circumstances require him now either to adopt a vigorous policy on his own responsibility, or to summon tho representatives of the people to advise with him as to the situation of affairs? His Honor may be taking effective measures for the relief of the province. But if so, the pnblic—who are the parties after all most interested in tho matter—have no opportunity of knowing the fact. What is known and felt is*simply that there is difficulty and embarrassment. What is not known, is the course the Government are pursuing in order to relieve the difficulty and remove the embarrassment.

Things have come to such a pass that the public will not consent any longer to be blindly led. Even the personal respect entertained for the Superintendent, will not prevent the impressioa,gaining ground, day by day, that he is not bringing any statesmanlike ability, or any comprehensive views to bear upon the financial crisis ; that the interests as well as the credit of the province are suffering in his hands. Public opinion is now pretty well settiing down into this f orm that there must be either a change of policy or a change of men. His Honor may be surrounded by counsellors who keep him in ignorance of the real state of public feeling. Tf they spoke the truth, they would tell him that there is a general feeling of discontent that grows daily in intensity ; that no event would be hailed with such universal satisfaction as the advent to [power o f new men ; that the people feel aggrieved at the unconcern manifested by the Government at a state of affairs that more or less embarrasses every tradesman and every householder; and that men most thoughtful and most calm in temper are coming to the conclusion that, if only to restore public confidence and hopefulness, there must be an administrative change. We shall certainly do nothing to alter that conviction or to oppose the political action to which it may lead. Tt ia certainly most unsatisfactory that »t such a critical moment in the history of the province, there should be not only such a want of accord between the people and the Executive, but such an absence of any effort to establish it. The step that ought to be taken is the immediate convocation of the Provincial Council. The public are n>t content that affairs should be managed just now by the uncontrolled will of the Superintendent, only nominally advised by the gentlemen forming his Executive.

Btjiidiko Stosk at the Blfpf.—A most judicious choice has been made in selecting Mr. Heole to superintend the mineralogical and geological specimens to be forwarded from Southland to the New Zealand Exhibition. That gentlemen will enter eon amore upon the task assigned to him, and if his hands are not tied the results of his labors will be a fine collection of the mineral wealth of the Province. Now we are upon this subject we cannot avoid draw* ing attention to the granite quarries at Bluff Habour, and from which the stone used in the formation of the fine pier at that port was obtained. The Bluff granite is, we believe, capable of receiving a fine polish, and is well adapted for building purposes. Several beautiful granites are also found in quantity on Stewart's Island. Why should not these quarries bo worked, nnd why should granite not be used in the construction of rarious pnblic buildings in New Zealand ? It might also in time form an article of export. At all events the subject is worth consideration—any notion would be better than the apathetic folding of the hands which appears to be our besetting am.— Doily Kens, May 9.

A Testimonial. —A rery handsome silver salver has been presented to Mr. T. J. .White, by the members of the Church of England in Invereargill, as a token of their appreciation of the services which he has rendered as lay reader for many years past. The ealver bears the following inscription : —" To T. J. White, Esq., in remembrance, of his services as lay reader, from his fellow members of the Church of England in Invereargill, a.d. 1864."— Ibid, May 5. A Last Re3OUßCE.—Those who may unfortnnately happen to be out of regular employment may yet be able to earn something by collecting bones, as we.perceive that a quantity is advertised for in order to be shipped for Victoria. Bone dust constitutes a most valuable manure, and we can see no reason why the crushing of bones for that purpose should not form one of the branches of industry for this province. We believe that bone dust would meet with a ready sale amongst the agriculturists' of Southland, and we can see no reason why ultimately it should not become an article of export. — Ibid.