THE NEW EXECUTIVE,

Grey River Argus, Volume XV, Issue 1834, 22 June 1874, Page 2

THE NEW EXECUTIVE,

[to the editor.]

Perhaps a few comments from the region of Hokitika on the disturbed state of the political world may not be out of place for insertion in the columns of the Argus, and the more so for a reason or two that in some respects heretofore a not over true light being revealed that has shone over the position of men and things and that go to make up the existing elements of discord, uncertainty, and dissatisfaction that mark the occasion.

You are fully conversant with the great victory of securing an Executive for the proper administration and impartial supervision of the general affairs of the Province, and of the tone of satisfaction that pervaded our communities on so great an achievement, and signally agreeable was the after fact that an Executive was formed that possessed the confidence of the people at large, and was deemed capable of dealing with matters that affected the vital interests and prosperity of Westland. You are doubtless aware also of the short existence of that Executive, but you may 'not as truly know of the quiet determination and most anxious disposition of its members to thoroughly ventilate all abuses and irregularities of whatever kind, and have such r«moved within the fair limits of time and suitable opportunity; and all matters that required the purifying process of renovation. It has also been publicly admitted here with characteristic plainness and non-reserve that fair play has not been shown to the late Executive, for in the brunt, burden, and responsibility of the office hurriedly cast upon their shoulders sufficient time has not been given to allow of efficient inquiry into departments to master all difficulties in a few days, and give complete within the same time a public policy to be pursued that should disarm all discontent, and prove a panacea for the ills and misfortunes of the Province, and here, so far as is known, unnecessary has been the great alarm as to the certain disorganised state of a monetary department in the Govern? ment. But now comes the crisis and defeat in the fate of the Executive, not on the ground of personal nnfitneas or want of capacity, but very apparent was the bitter feelings of resentment to an outsider that some of the oppositionists did not receive office, and of a more malignant feeling still, as it is insinuated rather broadly in more quarters than one, was borne for the persons and independence of the members of the Executive, From the beginning there was a disposition to thwart [and put every obstacle in way of having the Executive a success, but iv this piece of political warfare Mr J. White has been made the chief point of attack. Admitting for the moment there were grounds for objections to the offices h» accepted in the Executive, and of his required absence from Westland to Wellington, it was unfair on the whole to suppose he would sacrifice all public place through the post he had taken— he resigned the Speakerahip on being appointed one of the Executive. If he gave up his seat in the House of Representatives, who knows but that a want of confidence motion in a week or two would set aside the Executive, and then all position was gone to him. On the other hand it is now fully believed that he reluctantly took office, and in doing so he was promised the support of a majority of his colleagues ; but the result of the division on the want of confidence motion proved that one gentleman betrayed a support fairly and emphatically promised. In another respect he has been placed in an awkward predicament — the majority of his constituents desiring a retention of his seat in the General Assembly ; so much for the hon. member. And now who comes into the full blown odour of political honor and pomposity—one of the veritable members of Greymouth, Mr Woolcock. Observe just passingly the political consistency of Ihis gentleman, in principle ; all through recent struggles he wa

strongly opposed to an Executive, in opinions and keenly recorded votes he was most hostile to it, declarations both in private and public were made of a highly flavoured declamatory character, solemn asservations of a most noble sentiment that he Mr Woolcock was a disinterested patriot, and with grave and holy horror, at all times he would decline, look with disdain on the seals of office. And yet through the miserable minority of one vote in the late important crisis he is suddenly placed ih a position that his over- weening vanity panders to, that gives a chance at grasping at a power that his feeble hand and weak mind can never retain, and, in proof of this, anyone among the crowded audience of the public attending last night at the Council Chamber could perceive in his official chair he was like a fish out of water, he looked a picture of physical weakness and irresolution, with strongest symptoms of mental confusion and incapacity, that fit not the leader of a Ministry for a long enjoyment of his nenr found delights. Report is busy, too, that he hopes to bask hereafter the ever beaming smiles of that perpetual graciousness which descends from the precincts of a more exalted office; truly, this may be the key to his late political flight of eccentricity, and, may I add, his egotistical grandeurs that may well astound his constituents. But enough for the present ; and of his solitary member in the Cabinet, of him what can I say ; not much, indeed ; his political standing will soon be on the wane ; and now 1 may assure you it is devoutly hoped on all sides that this strange combination may soon 'vanish into thin air. Where are the elements in this mongrel alliance that produces intelligence, experience, and knowledge to deal with the important political matters of the Province and of its gold-fields ? it is not in the way to be found. I may also add, in conclusion, there is a strong public here in favor of a dissolution that would bring about a healthier state of things in the Provincial Council. Of course it is readily believed political strifes of the session are not ended, and that another Executive may start into life which may fairly claim the support of the Council, and the respect and confidence of the country, which it is said the present 'one does not retain.

I am, &c,

Nemo,