The Lyttenlton Times.

Lyttelton Times, Volume III, Issue 146, 22 October 1853, Page 6

The Lyttenlton Times.

October 22, 1853. On the motion for the second reading of the " Provincial Executive Government Bill" (reported last week), Mr. Packer remarked, and very justly, that this Bill, as a foundation stone to all future proceeding, in the Council, required most serious consideration.

Opinions expressed both in the Council and elsewhere confirm the justness of the views entertained by us when, remarking in a recent number on the general "result of the elections, we pointed to the necessity of increasing the number of members of the Provincial Council. The proposal to constitute an Executive Council, as part of the usual machinery of Government, has excited considerable attention and discussion. The arguments on either side demonstrate to our mind, far more in support of an increase of members, than of either an acceptance or rejection of the

The necessity, however, for an Executive Council seems to be admitted. We understand that the Superintendent of Wellington has formed one. The question then arises as to how it should be constituted. We fully concur in the opinion of Mr. Packer and the other speakers that the number of members of the Provincial Council who may form the Executive Covncil should be limited. Because the fewer the individuals sharing a responsibility, the greater, of necessity, must be the sense of obligation which weighs on each; and the greater also the certainty of each giving due attention to what properly then becomes his business. This is why we would have a limitation ; not for fear the Council may be unduly swamped by government influence. We hope better things of members than that they will allow any undue influence to gain ground over them as a body: as individuals,^ temptation of government pay or place is, at present at any rate, so slight as to create little apprehension of their integrity being bartered away. The very fact of so great a number as five members being willing to join the Executive Council would, in the. first place,~if that-number could' always carry a measure—rather ensure the Superintendent being controlled by the advice of men representing the majority of electors: and, in the next place, would afford ample evidence thf.t the Superintendent's political opinions were identical with those of the people at large. In such a

case, if the Government could not command a majority in the Council, members instead of doing their duty by the people who sent them there, would be acting the part of an adverse faction in opposition to Government as well as to their own constituents by whom the Head of the Government is chosen. The result of such a state of things would necessarily be an appeal to the judgment of the Province by a new election; when either a new set of men would be returned, or the Superintendent must vacate his office as no longer tenable. The solution of the whole question is thus simple enough and lies in a nutshell. Government by Representation is nothing N> more than Government by a talking-machine The talk, to be of any use, must shew both sides of a case, and each question!' must-v? have its answer, not given on paper.;-but;)i; ore rotundo. Any attempt to work such a machinery with pens, ink and paper, could only end in choking it with rubbish, for which no digesting apparatus has been provided by the " spirit of the Constitution." ;

Unless some one be constantly present, responsible for, and acquainted with, the intentions of the Superintendent, and able to explain his views, that functionary must come down on all occasions to address members,—a proceeding which we imagine would be resisted as unconstitutional—or else business would drag along through heaps of paper so slowly and tediously, that both the public and members would become utterly disgusted, and the Government of the Province come to a stand-still.

One thing is clear, the Superintendent may call any one he pleases to advise and consult with him. We conceive that for the public good any advising body should be so constituted by law, as to be responsible in some degree to the public, because consisting of members of the Provincial' Council; and not be utterly uncontrolled by being composed of private individuals, actuated by no sense of obligation, and restrained by no apprehension of being called to account. We therefore consider that the plan now proposed is one of impe - rative necessity, and approve of its adoption .

The ship " John Taylor," J. M. Cawkitt, Commander, anchored in our harbour on Tuesday evening. The " John Taylor" left Gravesend on Sunday, July lQth, with 140 passengers. The pilot was discharged off the Isle of Wight on the 13th. Strong contrary winds with head seas were experienced until reaching Cape Finisterre, causing much sea-sickness, and disappointing the hopes of making a rapid passage. Madeira was reached on the 30th July, and the line crossed on the 17th August. A favourable trade wind was experienced, and the ship passed close to Tristan de Acuna on the sth September, and hove to for a short time to enable those on shore to communicate with the ship, but no one came off. Several houses and cattle were seen.. The Meridian of Greenwich was passed on the 7th September, and the Cape on the 12th. Strong westerly gales were experienced with heavy seas, the ship rolling heavily and constantly. On the 20th they had a hurricane from W.S.W., which lasted from three to four hours with extreme violence,the ship scudding under a reefed foresail, and treble reefed main-top-sail; the force of the wind aft sending the ship's forecastle under in two or three plunges. All on board state it to have blown heavier than they had ever experienced. The ship behaved nobly and met with no accident excepting a new main-top-sail much split while taking it in. Ship's position at the time— lat, 42' south, long. 51' 28" east. From that time to sighting New Zealand, they had strong gales. Stewart's Island was passed on the 15th October, and the ship

entered the harbour "of Lyttelton on the ]Bth, making the passage from Ushant in 88 days, and from Madeira in 77. Four I deaths occurred on the passage"among the children. The voyage was. characterised by the best feeling among all on board. As the ship was entering the Heads on Tuesday morning, a meeting of the passengers was convened in the saloon to present an addressand a piece of plate to the Captain. On the motion of Mr. Harper, seconded by Captain Beswick, the Rev. J. C. Allen was called to the Chair, who, in a brief but .very appropriate address, paid a high tribute H.fo the many qualifications of Captain Cawkitt, alluding to his Christian character and gentlemanly deportment. The address wastread ■ by. Mr. Ollivier, after which the healths of-Captain and Mrs. CaAvkitt were proposed by Mr. Allan and warmly received by the passengers. The worthy Captain feelingly responded. One feeling of gratitude for the Captain?s unceasing kindness pervaded the whole of the passengers. The following is the address read by Mr. Ollivier which was signed by 39 passengers, many of them heads of families, and representing in all one hundred and forty-one persons :— " Dear Sir, —The undersigned Passengers by the John Taylor, cannot separate after the agreeable voyage which has been accomplished under your direction, without bearing their most sincere and heartfelt testimony to your ability, zeal, moral courage and decision of character as Commander, as well as to your/ kindness of heart and general anxiety for the welfare and comfort of the Passengers confided to your care. All speak in warm terms of acknowledgement of the almost parental sympathy you have felt for their wants and their sufferings, of the anxious consideration you have displayed during their unavoidable hours of sickness, and of the cheerfulness with which every thing in your possession has been placed at their disposal, though, as they are fully aware in many instances, at your own personal inconvenience. "To you then, they feel they are entirely indebted for the comforts of the voyage, and they desire to couvey to you their most grateful thanks for yonr repeated acts of kindness. "We have experienced how completely the happiness of the Passengers on board ship depends upon the gentlemanly bearing of the Captain ; nor could they indeed offer you a more convincing proof of their high opinion of your great and peculiar fitness for tbe important trust you have so ably discharged, than in the expression of our anxious hope that our friends who intend following us may fortunately succeed in securing a passage in the vessel you command. "Permit us to add that you will carry with you the most sincere regard and esteem, and ftjhe heartfelt good wishes for the prosperity of yourself, Mrs. Cawkitt and family, of those who have now unfeigned pleasure in subscribing themselves your friends and Passengers by the John Taylor." This address was accompanied by tbe presentation of a purse to purchase a piece of plate, the result of a subscription among the passengers, with the following inscription to be engraved thereon:— Presented to J. M. Cawkitt, Commander of tbe "John Taylor," by the Passengers as a mark of their esteem, and in remembrance of the kindness and attention received from him during their voyage to New Zealand. October 20, 1853. We may state on the best authority that the Duke of Newcastle in answer to enquiries made about his Excellency the Governor, said that " Sir George Grey had applied for leave of absence only." It is not likely, therefore, that any successor to his Excellency is on his way out. Still less likely is it that there is any truth in the report that Sir George had applied to be recalled.

We learn from a reliable source that Col. Campbell has been removed from the Commissionership of Crown Lands, and been appointed Registrar of Deeds, of this Province. It has not yet transpired who is to succeed Col. Campbell as Commissioner; but, doubtless, it is intended that the administration of all the waste lands within the Province shall in future be entrusted to one person, and the two establishments now existing be amalgamated. The " John Taylor" only brought one day's later intelligence from England than that already received. Nothing further had transpired concerning the Turco-Russian dispute. The prevailing impression was that it would be patched up. The Cabinet were greatly divided on the question; Lord Aberdeen being for a pacific policy, and Lord Palmerston for active and bellicose measures. Au inquest was held last Saturday on the body of S. Bradley, whose death by drowning we recorded on the 24th September. Verdict, Found Drowned. The proceedings of the Provincial Council, on Thursday, were confined to hearing the petition against the return of R. H. Rhodes, Esq., and the Rev. W. Aylmer, for Akaroa. Mr. Calvert appeared in support of the petition, and Mr. Pollard for the sitting members. The Council rejected the petition. We shall give the particulars in our next. /