THE SESSION'S WORK.

Gisborne Standard and Cook County Gazette, Volume I, Issue 85, 29 December 1887, Page 2

THE SESSION'S WORK.

As a result of the close of the session we have to realise the fact that, as far as the East Coast is concerned, we are in little benefited by the measures passed. If the Land Act Amendment Act is excepted, we are exactly in the same position as we were before the Atkinson Government took office. Even the measure referred to, liberal as some of its provisions appear to be, can be of little benefit to us, for no provision has been made to give effect to the Act. As we have before said there will be no future for us until the lands are thrown open to settlement. As it i s here so it is elsewhere, and the one deplorable fact remains to be digested—the bright promises held out in the first chapter of the session are blotted out forthe presentat least. Thinking this district was at last to receive that consideration which the East Coast has been so long justly entitled to, we, perhaps, have allowed ourselves to be carried away into believing the pledges of the Government, and now have the consolation of knowing that “ our time must eventually come? 1 The legislation which was promised regarding native lands has been dropped, though to the pernicious opposition of the Southern members this is to a great extent due. These gentlemen have always been opposed to progressive land legislation, for it would mean the prosperity of the North over tbe South Island. Had the Government so wished there is little doubt but what they could have pressed through a provision which would have granted to us the desire of Maori and European alike, but ixi their desire to let members home for the Christmas festivities, they slaughtered the measures which were the most needful to raise the Colony from its present depressed condition In the face oFthe retrenchment policy which we were led to expect we find that further burdens are imposed in the shape of taxation. The Australasian Naval Defence Bill has been rushed through without due regard to its importance. By it the Colony will have to pay £2 5,c00 a year on Naval defences over which we will have no control, and which will be of no earthly use to us. At present have been spent on forts and guns. Anyone who has taken the trouble to read Hansard can only arrive at the conclusion that there has been a reckless disregard of the real business of the country, and many members, especially some of the Southern ones, will receive a rough time of it from their constituents.