THE Grey River Argus. PUBLISHED DAILY FRIDAY, OCTOBER 15, 1574.

Grey River Argus, Volume XV, Issue 1933, 16 October 1874, Page 2

THE Grey River Argus. PUBLISHED DAILY FRIDAY, OCTOBER 15, 1574.

The Provincial Secretary of Nelson is playing the part of.Bombastes Furioso with remarable success. From the time that he assumed office as head of the Executive he has ridden rough shod over his colleagues, officers, and not even excepting his Honor the Superintendent himself. Responsible Government in the case of the Nelson Executive has meant nothing more nor less since its establishment than the sole and arbitrary exercise of power by Mr O'Conor. Whether ever what is termed an Executive Council is ever held we do not know, but if it be it is only a solemn faree — there is only one will and that must be obeyed. The case of Mr Whitefoprd is an instance in point. We know that his Honor the Superintendent was strongly opposed to this gentleman's removal, but although he held the delegated powers of the Governor under the Gold-fields Act, his opinions were disregarded, and Mr O'Conor insisted and carried his point. Gloss it over as much as he may like with the specious clap-trap of " grounds of public economy" and so on, the removal of Mr Whitefoord was, there is no question, due to personal feelings, and we venture to predict that bsfore very long reasons will be found for appointing another Warden, and that some one ot Mr O'Conor's private or political friends will receive the appointment. The last act of the Provincial Secretary is eminently characteristic, particulars of which will be found in our telegraphic columns. When members of a Government descend to such high-handed proceedings as those described, it is time that the members of the Provincial Council who helped to elevate Mr O'Conor to his present position should consider whether they acted wisely in supporting him? and whether it is not better that at any rate the office of Provincial Secretay should be filled by a gentleman?