Cromwell Argus AND NORTHERN GOLDFIELDS GAZITTE. Cromwell : Tuesday, March 24, 1885.

Cromwell Argus, Volume XVII, Issue 832, 24 March 1885, Page 2

Cromwell Argus AND NORTHERN GOLDFIELDS GAZITTE. Cromwell : Tuesday, March 24, 1885.

Recognised as the master mind and leading spirit of the Cabinet, it is but fitting that when Sir Julius Vogel addresses his constituents his words should be accepted as meant for the ear and information of the Colony as a whole. In this way we read his speech at Christchurch on Wednesday night, and there is more in what the Treasurer said that is of Colonial application than we find in most Ministerial addresses of late years. As affording a succinct yet comprehensive review of the past actions of the StoutVogel Administration, and giving soma insight into their intended future policy, the speech of the Treasurer is very far in advance of that made some little time hack by the Premier. Indeed, it looks as though the lustre of Mr Stout was purposely dimmed in order that when Sir Julius’ time came he should shine as brightly as possible in the political firmament. However this may be, it is quite certain that the kernel in the Treasurer’s nut is much more plentiful and pleasant to the palate than was that of the Premier. Before proceeding to note a few of the more important questions dealt with by the Colonial Treasurer, it may he remarked that he appears to have lost none of the force of intellect with which he is gifted, nor has his tongue lost any of its power in giving expression to his ideas in pointed eloquence ; while the tact that has all along distinguished him as a public man is as subtle as ever. Of Sir Julius it may be said “ age cannot wither him, nor custom stale his infinite variety.” His reception at Christchurch was something of an ovation, and its heartiness was not undeserved if only a portion of the good promised on behalf of the Ministry should be brought about. Passingoufrom suitable introductory remarks, the Treasurer proceeded to review the history of last session, particularly dealing with, and taking credit for, the passing of various measures of Colonial importance now in operation. Speaking of the work done during the recess, the speaker gave a most satisfactory record, showing that he and his colleagues had not been idle. With rare magnanimity Sir Julius went into almost minute details regarding the labors of each Minister, showing beyond doubt that there are no drones in the hive. The statement showed undoubted working powers in the Cabinet and a very sincere desire to justify their accession to office. There is no doubt the lengthy programme of useful measures passed and valuable work accomplished by the Ministry will yet further strengthen their hold on.the country and consolidate their influence in Parliament. But the strength of the Government lies notaloneinwhat they have already done. What is proposed to be effected in, the immediate future will, we think, add vastly to the popularity of the Ministry. True, on one or two subjects notably local government the Treasurer does not throw so much light as could be wished ; but on the whole he has pretty fairly taken the electors into his confidence. The dealing with Native lands would be regulated in a just spirit, so that they shall be brought into use as early as possible, and not left neglected and uncultivated. A system of postal notes and a parcel post would probably be inaugurated. They would also try to deal with the question of regulating in future the construction of railways, by determining what lines should be trunk railways, to be constructed sooner or later at the charge of the colony, and what lines should be district railways, to be constructed at the charge of the Colony alone or in connection with the districts they were especially to benefit. The questions of defence and reform of the Upper House would also engage their attention. On the subject of Federation the Treasurer spoke strongly, averring that the Enabling Bill, as amended by the English Government, would never be accepted by the Colonies. With regard to the encouragement of local industries, promise is made that proposals would be placed before Parliament having this object in view. With respect to local government changes, Sir Julius Vogel said “ the questions of bringing the various districts in homogenous relations and into the divisions desirable to occupy, had fallen to the charge of his colleague, Mr Stout, whilst to himself had been relegated the dealing with the question in its financial aspect —of saying what ought to be the financial position of the local bodies in the future, and of the various responsibilites these bodies ought to be called upon to discharge”— which has a nice sound, but does nob convey much to the mind. Other subjects to which attention will be given are the placing of the management of railways in the hands of nonpolitical boards ; the conservation and developement of forests and fishing-grounds ; and a number of minor matters, all of which go to make up a very respectable amount of work for the consideration of our legislators when they next meet at Wellington.