The Daily Southern Cross.

Daily Southern Cross, Volume XXIV, Issue 3358, 21 April 1868, Page 2

The Daily Southern Cross.

LOOEO, NOW URO. If I h»T« been extinguished, yet there rlie ▲ thousand beacon* from tha'ipark I bore.

TUESDAY, APRIL 21.

The government of a young colony is perhaps one of the most intricate subjects of study which could be submitted to a philosopher. Clever as the modern seer thinks himself, he is incapable of seeing deep enough into the political life of a few colonists to predict from antecedent events and symptoms the course which the people will take. The vague and fanciful philosophy of Mr. Buckle, with its "spirit of the age, "natural causes," and objections to statute law and leading men, is as powerless to give us any explanation of colonial phenomena as are the methodical tabular arrangements of old Aristotle, and his skilful classification and subdivisions of the various combinations of a number of primary with a number of Becondary causes. The fact is, that until a country has already made considerable advance the age for moralising on its progress has not arrived. The first stage of its existence is all action, and there is very little time for thought. It may be that the colony endeavours to guide itself by precedent, to accept the opinions and follow in the footsteps of its elders, but in practice it is found that few of those precedents are applicable in its different circumstances ; that the institutions of other countries have grown up with the countries themselves, and are healthful only for nations to whose feelings and mode of life they are adapted. To try and introduce alien forms amongst people whose minds are not prepared for them, i$ not only vain, but injurious, and the sole result of such a practice will be a certain priggish mimicry without auy appreciation of the essence. Every institution in a colony should, from the circumstances of the case, be regarded as of a tentative character, and in proportion as this is lost sight of, and rigid forms are imposed upon the young nation, so does its proper growth become stuntea, and its national life becomes little more than that narrow mannerism which in a child is called "old- " fashioned." This method of developing a form of government for a colony is about the most expensive that could be adopted. Because certain forms are established, it seems necessary, almost without reference to means, to keep up all the paraphernalia with which custom has surrounded and dignified those forms elsewhere. The consequence is that a certain meaningless apery of grandeur is introduced, entirely devoid of the dignity which age has conferred upon these ceremonies in the country to which they naturally belong, and the only way to conceal the emptiness of the show is to lay on plenty of gilding and tinsel ; this will at all events catch the eye and possibly prevent further inquiry, but at the same time the scenepainters and decorators have to be paid, and their wages must come out of the pockets of the audience. It appears to us that the colonising efforts of Great Britain have not been nearly so successful as they might have been on account of the constitution-mongering which has been done on behalf of the young settlements. As centres of industry and commerce, it cannot be gainsaid that the colonies are in almost every case a perfect success. They are, of course, liable to the same fluctuations and panics as older countries, and, in consequence of the comparatively small capital with which the trade is done, a commercial crisis produces its effects more quickly than in the old world, but on the other hand it is sooner passed. But as nations and centres of government we can scarcely regard our colonies as a subject for boasting. In Sydney, representative institutions are disgraced by a rowdyism in the House of Assembly such as has never been known elsewhere. In Victoria there is an utter absence of respect for the existing form of government, and the country is as a consequence involved in a labyrinth of difficulties from which an escape is yet to be found. It is only a few years since the Queensland Government brought their colony to the verge of ruin." Bitter experience has taught Tasmania that economy is more requisite than display. In New Zealand we are fast beginning to con over the 'same lesson, and to judge by appearances it will not be long before the various public money-spenders have learned how to spell the word " K-etrench- " ment." The embarrassments whichhavefrom time to time arisen in the various colonial possessions of Great Britain are, we believe, almost entirely to be attributed to the overgovernment, which is the result of a rich and fully developed country applying the maxims of constitutional rule, which have grown up with its growth and become incorporated with its very existence, to young countries whose resources were wholly undeveloped, whose circumstances are wholly different from those of England, lastly and principally whose people are not ripe to receive them. Such theories hang upon the colonies like so many badly-fitting clothes, and we present a spectacle quite as ludicrous as a boy rigged out in his grandfather's coat and breeches.. Having got these he wants the gold repeater, eyeglass, and toothpick, the silver snuff-box, finger rings, and aU the other et-ceteras of mature gentility. We believe then that the political woes of New Zealand — of which her financial difficulties are the most prominent-p arise in a very great measure from the fact that our Constitution is an imported article, and not the natural product of the country. Instead of the form of government being gradually developed by national consent, and in accordance with the growth

of the colony, the colony has had to grow up to the Constitution ; and as it does not happen to have grown precisely according to the pattern sketched out for it at home, the Constitution does not fit. There is but little use in theorising upon ■what might have happened under different circumstances, though we may state shortly that we believe that if local government had Been introduced first, and had proceeded gradually upwards to provinces, and thence to a General Assembly and responsible Ministers, the Imperial Government holding the control until the nation showed itself, by the formation of a healthy national opinion, fitted to undertake it, that conflict which is now so materially retarding our progress would never have arisen. The question we have to deal with is, "What is to be done now V How can we so meet the difficulties of the present as not to throw obstacles in the way of our future progress ? The issue between the parties who divide the colony we take to be this : On the one side are a number of practical, common-sense men, who see plainly that the need for an organisation of a similar character to bhat of the provinces has not gone by ; that there is as yet no sufficient national will so to control a central government as to ensure the country against the evils of centralisation as exhibited in some foreign countries. On the other side are those who look farther^ into the future, but scarcely apprehend the difficulties of the present ; they are for doing away with the provincial system on the grounds that we shall in time be able to dispense with it, and that it will ultimately be more desirable to have one government aud one representation for the colony ; these admit that the conflict has been brought on prematurely principally by the extravagance of the provinces, but they argue that since the pledge of battle has been sent they dare not yield, because to do so now would be practically to divide the country into a number of smaller states, and thus to sacrifice all the future advantages which are to be derived from united action. Both parties, however, unite in condemning our present heavy annual expenditure, and as this is the point which most nearly affects our material prospects, and in which the people therefore have most interest, we have hopes that this will prove the basis of a compromise between the two parties. Many persons have been looking to the advent of Mr. Fox to deliver them from the hand of the oppressor. The New Zealand Moses has come at last, and has made a long speech declaratory of his intentions. It is said that he is going into the House, and it seems to be expected that he will there have no difficulty in subduing the Pharaoh of to-day. This may be so, but if such is the case we are very sure that Moses will find the waters of Marah bitter beyond any healing art of his, and the hankerings of Israel after the flesh-pots, of Egypt will cause many a sharp pang to his manly soul. As for the promised land we are inclined to think he is rather hazy about the direction in which it lies.

We are glad to learn that very satisfactory promises of support to the projected subscription ball to his Excellency the Governor an-1 Lady Bo wen, on Wednesday, the 29th instant, have been received. The following gmibl'juieu ai-3 named as stewards for the ball : — His Honor the Superintendent, Judge Beckham, H. Ch&mberlin, Esq , J. M. Dargaville, Esq., Major Heaphy, V.O , G. Yon der Heyde, Esq., Owen Jones, Esq., A. Kennedy, Esq., Colonel Kenny, Colonel Nation, G. B. Owen, Esq , Dr. Pollen, James Russell, Esq., Reader Wood, Esq. A correspondent signing himself " Waikato" writes :—": — " It may be interesting to some of your readers to learn that the blight bird has again appeared. I have seen three flocks within the last few days. I have little doubt but that we shall have them in great numbers shortly. Can any of your readers say what these birds have done with themStilvei during the summer P I have made inquiries of the natives in this district if they have seen any sign of them, but I can learn nothing of their whereabouts." The usual sitting of the District Court was held yesterday, in the Old Supreme Court-house, Edenstreet. There were seven undefended cases, six of which were settled out of Court. Several hours were occupied in hearing a claim by Frederick T. Newbury against Joseph Allen for £50 damages, arising from a collision between the cutters 1 Waterlily' and * Sea Breeze,' on 26th December list, in the Auckland harbour. The ' Sea Breeze' was capsized, and the goods on board lost After hearing the evidence the counsel for plaintiff elected to take a nonsuit. Messrs. Beveridge and Hesketh appeared for plaintiff, and Mr. MacCormick for defendant. The next case gone into was a claim for £28 12s. 10d., made by James McEwen against Captain Sellars for work done and materials provided for the steamer c Tauranga.' The Court gave judgment for plaintiff. Mr. MacCormick appeared for plaintiff, and Mr. Whitaker for defendant. The cases were all disposed of before the Court rose. ' The members of the Auckland Rifle Volunteers, selected to fire in the match with the Dunedin Scottish Company, are to meet this morning, at 9 o'clock, at the Naval Hotel, Pitt-street, where a conveyance will be in waiting to carry them to the butts. The annual licensing meetings of Justices of the Peace take place at noon to-day, at the following places : — Besident Magistrate's Court, Auckland ; Resident Magistrate's Court, Onehunga ; Resident Magistrate's Court, Raglan ; Resident Magistrate's Court, Bay of Islands ; Resident Magistrate's Court, Shortland, Hauraki ; Resident Magistrate's Court, Waiukti, forWdiuku, and Port Waikato District; Resident Magistrate's Court, Hamilton, for Waikato; at the Whangarei Hotel, for Marsden ; and at the Resident Magistrate's Court, Mangonui. At the Police Court yesterday, a man named John Duggan was fined 40s. and cost for exposing his person in Queen-street on Saturday evening last. John Tucker, butcher, Queen-street, and Frederick Farrell, his clerk, were charged with assaulting a boy named William James Campbell. Mr. Hay, who appeared for defendants, made certain statements to show the provocation given by the boy. No evidence •was however le \as to the alleged provocation. A fine of 403. and costs was imposed upon each of the defendants. Alexander Campbell,alias ßalph Douglas, was charged with being illegally at large, and was committed for trial to the Supreme Court. During the temporary absence from Auckland of Colonel Elliot — who has accompanied his Excellency the Governor to the Bay of Islands — the command of the 18th Royal Irish, air present in garrison, devolves upon Major Rocite. A meeting of the sons of old colonists was held at the offices of Messrs. Jackson and Russell, Fortstreet, last evening. Only eight gentlemen were present; Mr. Russell in the chair. Mr. Guilding said that Mr. King, chemist, Queen-street, had' offered to exhibit the address in his window, and he thought that by so doing a greater amount of attention would be drawn to the object' they had in view. On' the motion •of Mr. Craig, seconded' by Mr, . Preece, it > was resolved that Mr. King's,, offer be accepted with thanks for placing at the disposal of the committee hit, window for the exhibition of the address. It was also resolved, on the motion 'of Mr, Preeoe, seconded by; Mr. Graham, 'that Mr,

Hall be requested to allow the address to be placed in Mr. King's window. The meeting was then adjourned until Saturday, at half-past 7, at Messrs. Jackson and Russell's office, Fort-street, when it is requested that all those who have received collecting' books will either attend or forward their books to the secretary, as the committee are desirous of ascertaining what amounb has been collected. The new Court-house at Shortland was formally opened yesterday by his Honor the Su erintendent and Jud»e Moore, and banded over to the authorities We publish a report elsewhere of the speeches made on the occasion. It appears that a difficulty has arisen in carrying out the punishment of whipping the boy dune, who was sentenced, at the Police Court on Thursday last, to two months' hard labour, and to be privately whipped, for theft on board the 'Albatross.' The rather extraordinary course was taken, we believe, of naming in- the warrant the constable who was to inflict the chastisement, and who novr re r me« to do so, in consequence of being specially named. The matter remains, therefore, in abeyance. A farewell tea-meeting was held last eveuing at the Sheridan-street Primitive Methodist Chapel, in cons-qm nee of the projected departure of Mr. Tanfield and family for Hamilton, Waikato. After tea the Rev. Mr. Dean presided. He said that Mr. Tanfield had been a very active member in their congregation, aud his departure for the bush would be a source of deep regret to them all. Mr. Booth presented to Mr. Tanfield, on behalf of the members of the congregation, a neatly-bound quarto Bible, on the fly-leaf of which was inserted a suitable inscription, attesting the esteem in which the recipient was held by the congregation. The remainder of the evening was spent in a social manner, and was enlivened by the choir rendering at intervals a choice selection of music. A meeting of the shareholders of the Mclsaacs Prospecting Claim was held yesterday at Mr. Tothill's office — Mr. Reader G. Wood in the ■ chair. A verbal report was made as to the proceedings which had been taken with the view to the formation of a company. It was then resolved that a company should be formed under the title of the T»pu Gold Mining Company j and the following directors were appointed : —Messrs. R. Wood, J. M. Clark, Edward Bornsby, Joseph Howard, Thomas Morrin W. C. Wilson. PuMic beneficence in Paris keeps pace with the wants of the destitute. The twenty soup kitchens of the Prince Impeiial distribute daily from 40,000 to 50,000 portions. Thanks to the aid given by the civil list, etch portion, consisting of bread, meat, soup, and vegetables, coats only five centimes. The kitchen of Sfc. Oven, where the greatest wretchedness prevails, distributes daily, in the Emperor's name, upwards of 2,000 rations. Mis Majesty is not satisfied with making personal sacrifices for the succour of the poor during the rigours of winter ; he bfts invited the co-operation of the city of Paris, which has ordered the establishment of additional Wtohens in the sth, 11th, 12th, 13th, 19th, and 20th Arrondissements. The city, I esides, distributes ffcel in large quantities at the various offices of public atari ty, and the_ quantity of bread supplied to families who are assisted ha 3 been increased. The economy which the panic has thrust upon thousands, and which has been practised throughout the kingdom siuce March, 1866, and. which has very considerably assisted in sending money to this great centres for investment, may — as in 1824— lead to si ec illation in consequence of a rise of prices, which will frequently take place suddenly after the lapse of a period during which the imports of commodities have been small. Thie, combined with, speculation in foreign loans and mine**, produced the crisis of 1825. There are several new Joans upon our market already at a premium, although not a high premium. The steady manner in which capital has been transferred from the great mass of second-rate home securities to colooial and good foreign stocks, is a proof that the tide of investment is tending towards the foreign channel. The Portuguese loan is generally considered a safe investment ; but, if it goes to a high premium, the danger is at once to apparent that the abundance of capital will induce other foreign States to introduce a loan. The altered state of the times warrants the belief that the reactions which always succeed extensive speculation will take place at shorter intervals than heretofore, in proportion to the increase in the number of those who have the means wherewith to speculate. The lessons of the past should not be forgotten, more especially at a time when the public are becoming tired of waiting to know what is safe to buy. Numbers are interested in colouring the quality of new investments, and the danger is considerable in a plethoric state of the money market. — West India and Pacific Mail.