THE Grey River Argus. SATURDAY, MAY 16, 1868.

Grey River Argus, Volume VI, Issue 365, 16 May 1868, Page 2

THE Grey River Argus. SATURDAY, MAY 16, 1868.

The Premier of New Zealand has recently addressed a meeting of his constituents at Nelson. His speech was not merely that of an ordinary member of Parliament, delivered to his own particular clients, but was really presented to the Colauy at large, Mr Stafford is not one of those men who are guided entirely by the voice of the particular party to which he may be attached. Whatever faults Mr Stafford may possess, he can at least lay claim to the virtue of declaring his own opinions irrespective of circumstances. The present Premier is admitted by all New Zealand politicians to be an honest statesman. His views may be wrong, and he may occasionally betray a factional allegiance to certain political ideas, b':t in the main he may be classed as a shrewd, honest, and clever leader. He is undoubtedly stubbord, and is often a source of misgiviug to his own supporters ; but if we strike the balance we think it would be in his favor. Mr Stafford was not well received by his Nelson constituents, and we are not Surprised at the fact. Nelson is strongly attached to Provincialism, and Mr Stafford is anxious to see that form of Government replaced by something simpler, and more calculated to ensure a unity of action throughout the Colony, and reduce the cost of administration. He had to address an audience which naay be considered as hostile, and although if; is quite true that he did not cany the sympathy of his hearers with him, it is not the Jess true that his speech, coutained many things well worthy of consideration and comment. Mr Stafford's weak point with his constituents is his past career, and probably no declaration of his intentions as to the future would entirely condone what are said to be Ms chief offences. The grand complaint brought against him was the Public Debts Act, and we must say that a careful consideration of the subject leads us to the opinion that the blame attached to the supporters of that measure was fully justified. The assumption by the General Governraeut of the responsibility of the Provincial Loans, was of itself a very desirable thing, but it was not fair that the advantage conferred by the measure should rest with the public creditar. Mr Stafford made a very weak defence regarding the Act referred to, and endeavored most unsuccessfully to palliate, the measure. But, however much we may feel inclined to differ with Mr Stafford with regard to many of the measures of the past, we can fully meet him on the subject of increasing the limits of local government throughout the colony. As Mr Stallurd very 'aptly remarked — we might, as well attempt to mop up the Atlantic as to stop the demand for local government. It matters little what tho exact designation of this local government may be, provided that the great principle is conceded of giving the people who contribute to the revenue a voice in its expenditure. That is the great; problem which the present Ministry— and, indeed, we may say any Ministry — has to decide. As Mr Stafford told his constituents, some of tbe provinces are actually " in extremis," and something must be done to replace the cumbrous and effete system of Provincialism. It will not do to create a bureaucracy, and to so "centralise" affairs as to leave no political rights or powers to the provinces and counties. What is wanted, and what must be granted, is a system of government which, whilst preserving the supremacy of the General Government and Assembly, shall give ample powers to the local bodies, and ensure a fair and equitable expenditure of the revenue. Mr Stafford is not alone in his advo cacy of direct taxation. Many public

men, whose opinions are worth v of consideration,- are strongly in favor of reducing the indirect taxation through customs' duties, arid substituting a direct taxation upon incomes. Westland may not afford so striking an example of tho evil effects of a high tariff as other colonies ; but there is no question that the existing scale of duties throws the bulk of taxation upon the classes least able to pay it. Mr Stafford's idea of an income tax may not be a palatable pne, but we fancy that every person capable of forming a correct opinion will endorse hijs views, The fact is that the frightful charges on imports into the colony, not only cripple trade an/J commerce, but really demoralise the population, Some people speak: with confidence of tbe downfall of the present Ministry, and we don't deny that there are many cir T cutnstances which render such an event a probable contingency, But whether the Stafford Ministry goes out or a Fox-cum-Featlierstone Cabinet occupies the warm side! of the House, there can be no disputing the fact that any minority, to .be- able to hold its own, must give its full and complete sanction to the principle of : liocal Government. There may be many differences of opinion regarding the exact form of Government which may be desired, but there can be po difference of opinion <*s to the basis , on which it should be founded,