The Globe. SATURDAY, JANUARY 18, 1879.

Globe, Volume XX, Issue 1535, 18 January 1879, Page 2

The Globe. SATURDAY, JANUARY 18, 1879.

When is it proposed that Iho statistics of Now Zealand for 1877, to say nothing of tho census returns for 1878, shall bo made public ? Never in tlio history of tbo colony lias the work boon so delayed as on the present occasion, when the country is blessed with a Ministry who announce the simplification and improvement of Government, and tbo reduction of red-tape, as one of tboir main objects. Their success in this direction has generally been in inverse ratio to their boasting, but in the matters to which we refer that ratio has been at least two-fold. As to the statistics, the time has now gone by when they can be of any value whatever except for purposes of comparison hereafter with those of years to come. For comparison with past years they are quite out of date. But the census tables are still expected, and although nearly a fourth of the quadrennial period succeeding that to which they relate has gone by, they are iudispousahlo to those who desire to arrive at a clear view of tho progress which the colony lias made in recent years. There is no reason whatever why the census of 1878 should have taken twice tho time in compilation that was occupied by that of 187-1. Of course tho work is somewhat greater on account of the development of tho country; hut that it is so much increased in four years that instead of live months it should have occupied ten, and still no sign of its completion, is absurd to suppose. The only conclusion which can reasonably ho drawn is that tho Registrar-General s department is not by a long way as efficient as it was four years ago. The reduction of officialism to the minimum is a very laudable object, and the Government aye much to ho praised for their theories on the subject. But it may he pointed oud that the method of obtaining this object by leaving the work undone altogether, although very much simpler than tho mode of reaching the same oud by investigation and methodical reduction, is not calculated to serve the public interests; nor is it what the public have boon led to anticipate.

With regard to the census, wo observe that a Northern contemporary who, like ourselves, is pining for the census returns, and who has frequently exposed the artful dodgery of the present administration, hints that the returns have boon purposely kept back. The principal tables, it is said, wore ready months ago, but were absolutely withhold for no bettor reason than that the Premier was loth to supply the public with the means of refuting his wild statements on the subject of the number of adult males who would gain the franchise under his Government Bill. It Is further alleged that the excuse given ie that the Government printing office is overburdened with work. This might have been a reason during the session and shortly after, but it .certainly has not been valid for the last six weeks. Of course we merely give our contemporary^ s hypothesis for what it is worth, and if any other Ministry were in power, should unhesitatingly pronounce it incredible. But a Ministry of which a person of !3ii George Grey's well-known characteristics is the head must ho expected to adopt extraordinary courses; there is scarcely any extravagant trick which may not lie expected from him and those who suffer themselves to be led by him. Hovover, vyhetber tiro supposition be true or not, tiio fact remains that the returns of the CcigjUjj taken at the beginning of March,

with tho exception of some few preliminary tables, are not yet available to the public ton months after tho census was taken.

In to-day’s issue wo publish a report of a deputation which yesterday waited upon the Attorney-General for the purpose of ascertaining if the Government would assist tho City Council to obtain a portion of the market reserve for the purpose of building a Town Hall and Municipal Offices. It will bo seen that the interview was as satisfactory as it could be. Mr. Stout saw no objection to granting tho reserve for the purposes sought, provided it could be done under the Public Reserves Act, and he believed it could be done by Proclamation without application to tho Assembly. He further said that ho believed tho Council might rely upon getting an answer from the Government about the beginning of February. The citizens and Council may fairly be congratulated upon the fact that common sense has prevailed in this matter, and that things are in fair train for them to obtain buildings which will bo as conveniently situated as could be desired. There was probably little danger that the first idea> of building tho Town Hall on the site of tho Council’s yard, would ever have been carried out, for tho simple reason that tho ratepayers wore not likely to have sanctioned a loan for the purpose. Bo this as it may, it is permissible now to assume that the scheme is at last laid in its final rest. For even if difficulties, not anticipated by the AttorneyGeneral, should be raised by the Government to granting the site, the Building Committee could hardly return to their former project after their candid admission yesterday that that project was not a satisfactory one for the public. And here wo may take the opportunity of saying that we think there is considerable credit due to them for the candour and good spirit they have shown in the matter. For every ten men who are strong enough to champion an opinion stoutly, be it right or wrong, the world does not contain one who is strong enough to admit an error of opinion. The members of the Council waited on tho Attorney-General yesterday# proved that they hud the pluck to set their conviction of the public interest abo'se their reputation for rigid consistency, and by so doing they have deserved well of the city. Tho next step will, wo presume, be to take the opinion of the ratepayers on a loan for the proposed buildings. Tins will, however, form a proper subject for future discussion.

Anothee matter upon winch some members of the Council are to be congratulated is the decision of the Water-supply Committee to abandon the proposed experiments with the cylinders in the Waimakariri, and, instead thereof, to acquire knowledge on the subject before countenancing any expenditure of the ratepayers’ money. Mr. Hubbard, the hydraulic engineer, is entitled to the thanks of the community for the share he has taken in inducing the committee to come to so very wise a determination. Looking at this incident, and at that referred to in the preceding article, we cannot avoid saying that the Christchurch municipal authorities are setting an example which might well be followed by those who have to deal with larger matters than came under the Council’s ken. What an enormous revolution in public affairs, what a change from bungling to etllciency> from waste to economy, from frequent accidental injustice to equitable dealing, would be effected if only Ministers and legislators would follow the lead thus given them, and make themselves thoroughly acquainted with the merits of a question before presuming to decide upon it! It is much to be feared that, notwithstanding the excellent example, colonial statesmen will continue to follow a contrary course. Experience demonstrates too conclusively that such wisdom is altogether beyond them ; it is high and they cannot attain unto it.