EVENING POST.

Evening Post, Volume XXIX, Issue 111, 3 June 1885, Page 2

EVENING POST.

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 341885.3 4 1885. PROSPECTS OF THE SESSION. «. Although an unusually large number of members havo addressed their constituents since the date for the meeting of Parliament was fixed, the speeches, as a rule, have been singularly devoid of interest, and have afforded little or no indication of the probable course of events during the coming session. Indeed, the speakers seemed greatly to prefer going over the old story of last session to committing themselves in any way regarding the approaching one. Even Major Atkinson was very guarded and moderate in what ho said. The members of the Ministry who have spoken during the rocess have said quite as much as is usual, or perhaps rather more, as to the course they intend taking when Parliament meets, but their statements have elicited remarkably little comment, and that little of the very baldest character. Perhaps Sir George Geey's has been the most outspoken adverse criticism which the Ministry and its policy have met with lately. He is evidently bent on mischief, and intends, if he possibly can do it, to regain his old place as a leader. Rumours are current that he is already trying to make up a party, and that when the House meets he will be at the head of a small band of discontented members, who will carry on a guerilla warfare, harassing and embarrassing the Ministry on every possible occasion, exactly as they would harass and endeavour to embarrass any other set of Ministers who might replace the present ones. It is said that Sir Geoeqk Gbey, in addition to his Auckland following, will receive some support from a discontented section of the Otago members, and that desperate efforts have been made to secure the adhesion of Mr. Montgomery and Mr. Macandbew. The latter ia not likely to be led into a false position very easily. He is much too old a political bird to be caught by chaff, or to become entangled in the meshes of any net which that experienced fowler, the Knight of Kawau, may spread for his capture. As to the member for Akaroa, it is impossible to speculate as to what he may or may not do. He has during the recess been round the world, and it is possible that travel may have had a corresponding effect on him to what it had on Mr. Howard Vincent. It may havo led him to entirely change his political creed. If it has taught him to modify his admiration of his own wisdom, tho result will be greatly appreciated on all bides. As ho is to address his constituents this week, we shall probably ia a day or so bo better able to understand what attitude he is likely to take up towards the Ministry ; whether he will continue to support them, or join the middle party, which, under Sir George Gkey's leadership, will improperly usurp the position of being the true Liberal party. In reality they will be simply Adullamites, but they will doubtless be able to work a good deal of mischief. "We regard the position of the Government as a perfectly safe ono, so far as defence of their seats from outside attack is concerned, but wo do not expect to find it a strong ono in regard to ability to carry thoir measures. Their greatest danger will be from within. It cannot be denied that the present Ministry is a coalition one, and its policy necessarily ono of compromise. All coalitions are dangerous and uncertain in their operation. The parties to the present one aro not bound together by any very strong ties beyond those of expediency. There is a wide gulf between them on many matters of principle. If they can continue to work together as they have worked heretofore, their union will possess sufficient strength to defeat any attack which may be made upon them, and the f orces which they will have to meet will at least be as divided, in regard both to principles and interests, as they are themselves. Neither Major Atkinson nor Sir Geoeoe Grey will command a very numerous following, but the two united will probably make a very good muster, although we do not by any_ means expect that they will be a majority. The chief subjects to which Ministers it is understood intend to direct attention are Local Government, Charitable Aid, Eeform of the Council, and Native Lands. On all theso matters, a clear and definite policy has been agreed on, and will be submitted to tho Legislature. It is vory improbable that any internal dissension will arise in the Ministerial ranks on these subjects, but no doubt Sir Geokoe Gbey and Major Atkinson will endeavour to raise many other questions on which the Cabinet, and tho parties the several Ministers represent, may not think alike. The Government will havo to beware of being led into the traps which will certainly be laid I for them. They will act wisely by keeping the House as closely as possible to their own programme. It is sufficiently comprehensive to fully occupy the House during a session of even more than ordinary length. Local government will, of course, be the principal subject, but the native land question will probably be found of very nearly equal interest and importance. The House will be able now to discuss the native question from a standpoint never previously attained. It will no longer have to regard the natives as possible foes living in sulky isolation. It will no longer have to legislate regarding hinds over which the Queen's writ does not run, and which the owners have resolutely closed against all settlement or progress. The King Country is now open, the North Island Trunk Railway is being surveyed and constructed through its inmost recesses, and with the cordial approval and active assistance of the natives themselves. The owners of the land are willing and anxious to havo it opened for settlement, and what Parliament has to do is to give legal effect to their wishes, with due regard for their individual rights as owners of the soil, as well as with proper consideration for the rights of the community of whioh the natives form a section. We trust that neither party feeling nof personal motives will be allowed to influence the consideration of this great subject. At all risks Parliament should insist that fair, impartial justice shall be the basis of all legislation on the native land question. If on this or on tho Local Government question Ministers find their action hampered and impeded by selfish or factious opposition— if there" is evidenced an intention on tho part of any party in the House to prevent full, fair, and impartial consideration and discussion of tho proposals submitted, then undoubtedly Ministers will bo justified in appealing to the country. They possess a clear constitutional right to be allowed such an appeal, and wo are confident that if they make it tho country will be with them. Under tho present miserable system of triennial Parliaments, the middle session is really the only one from which, under the most favourable circumstances, much useful work can bo expected. There are great questions which now await consideration, and the necessity for dealing with which in urgent. It will be a sad misfortune if the opportunity is lost and the session wasted in personal or factious contests.