“The Press” In 1866

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31123, 28 July 1966, Page 16

“The Press” In 1866

July 28 It is unfortunate that such resolutions as Mr Whitaker’s should ever have been brought forward, especially by a prominent member of the House. They stand no chance of being carried; while they give rise to a great deal of angry debate at the time, and an amount of irritation the effects of which continue after the debate has been forgotten. When any one province claims for itself such a supremacy: when its Superintendent, while objecting to any extension of the powers of provinces as such, loftily demands “that such a province as Auckland shall be elevated into something higher and more Independent”; it Is impossible but that 4.

such arrogancy shall excite the resentment of representatives of all other provinces... if however this separation debate leads to any definite understanding, so that the representatives of the North and Middle Islands can agree as to their respective shares of future liabilities, from an unpromising commencement it will result in the greatest possible benefit to the colony. An attempt in that direction is, it seems, to be made, but we cannot say we are sanguine of its success. It will require the utmost tact and forbearance on both sides, and the proposals of the Auckland members are not calculated to inspire confidence in the moderation or discretion of one of the principal parties concerned.