The Evening Star. DUNEDIN, SATURDAY, DEC. 30, 1865.

Evening Star, Volume III, Issue 827, 30 December 1865, Page 2

The Evening Star. DUNEDIN, SATURDAY, DEC. 30, 1865.

Thk year that is fast drawing to a close has not been unproductive of subjects of interest bo hj to the Province and the Colony. It cannot be expected that we should in an evening paper enter into at length the discussion of merely colonial matters, but we m;iy briefly notice that during the present year, the Maori wur which since 1860 has more or less-absorbed the attention of our leading statesmen, is being rapidly brought to a conclusion. The Weld Ministry with its self-reliant policy and increased taxation for Imperi il purposes, has come to grief, and the Stafford Ministry which succeeded it will do well, it, in the New Year they can meet the General Assembly with the statement that they have saved the Colony from financial ruin. TSiere can be no doubt that but for the discovery of the West.Coast_goldnelds and the consequent increase of population and the consumption of dutiable articles, the revenue would a&pt have born;© the enormous drain upon

its resources, caused by the prosecution of a Mioi-i w.ir. 'Even all Mr Stafford's ingenuity -would not save us from extra taxation during _the incoining year. Happily the important discovery during the present year qi* almost untold -wealth on the West Coast has rendered trade in this and the neighbouring Provinces more healthy, and has given an impetus to business that will enable us to meet, if necessary, the imposition of fresh burdens with less discontent than would have been the case if they had been placed on our shoulders during the year, to which -we are now bidding adieu. Nor has the Province of Otago anything to regret as to the progress it has made during the year '65. In mining matters, everything is satisfactory; and the last Escort of over 12,000 ozs., shows that our resources are only beginning to be developed. Systematic mining by mining companies, with capital and proper machinery, will, in the opinion of those who are most competent to judge, be productive of increased yields of gold ; so that we may reasonably hope that the quantity brought down in the last week of '65, will be equalled, if not exceeded, by the Escort of '66. As regards agriculturists, we think they have not much reason to complain of the year '65. The harvest, though later than usual, will still be a good one, and with an. increasing population, and the opening up of new markets, they will have no difficulty in disposing of their produce, even although the yield be a hundredfold. When they compare their position with the ruined farmers of Victoria, we think they have reason to rest and be thankful for the good bestowed upon them during the year which must so soon be numbered with those that have gone. In matters political, we wish we could speak as hopefully. The events of the last few weeks have, in our opinion, demonstrated that the Provincial Council is becoming hopelessly disorganized, if not demoralized. The admission amongst i;s members of an inflated and conceited stump orator is in itself enough to bring contempt upon our local Parliament; and, as if this were not enough, the conduct of some of the members has been such as to show that it is absolutely necessary that the Council should be dissolved, and new men elected. The present Council has now been in existence for some three years and during that period has done good service, but it has, latterly, shown such an utter disregard of the public interest, and several of its members have exhibited such an amount of tergiversation, whenever office has been in question, that it is high time they should be sent about their business.

It is just possible, that as the Superintendent was only elected a few months ago, he may refuse to resign the sweets of office. We can tell him, however, that if hj • gracefully retires now, and sanction a dissolution, there is little doubt but that he would be returned, perhaps without opposition. If, on the contrary, he refuses to carry out the wishes of the Council, should they on the first Wednesday of the New Year agree to a dissolution, his action will be looked upon by the country as not only timid, but as savouring of cowardice. It will be remembered when a new election does take place, and the recollection will be most damaging to the prospects of the present Superintendent, should he then be a candidate. Let us trust that the New Year will bring with it, amongst the many things for which we hope, anew Provincial Council, composed of men who will do their duty to the Province, and will not look upon a seat in the Government as their highest aim. For ourselves, we have onlv to thank our friends for past favours ; to ask for their continuance in the future ; and to wish them, all a •' Happy New Year."