The Lyttelton Times. FRIDAY, MARCH 9, 1866.

Lyttelton Times, Volume XXV, Issue 1632, 9 March 1866, Page 2

The Lyttelton Times. FRIDAY, MARCH 9, 1866.

The colonists of the Middle Island have lately heard from various quarters warning voices telliDg of past and coming political changes full of danger to the South. There is a combination of strength between Mr. Stafford, Dr. Featherston, and Mr. Whitaker. There is a proposal in one place" to countermand the departure of the British troops; there is an announcement in another that the confiscated lands in Waikato, Tauranga, and'Opotiki—the property of the colony at large—have been handed over to the province of Auckland. Large grants of colonial money have been paid and promised to Auckland, by way of loan, in order that she may settle her new territory; but the proviuce is in stringent financial difficulties, and has no security to offer for the colony's loan. There is a reasonable inference that the same indulgence which has been shown to Auckland will be begged, not unavailingly, by Wellington, namely the gift of the colony's land between Wanganui andTaranaki, and of the colony's money wherewith to improve it. There is a threatening of heavy fresh taxation to enable the General Government to defray these and other expenses; and there is a suggestion that the utmost extent of the already too burdensome war loan has not yet been reached. The aspect of affairs in the North is indeed threatening, under the triple alliance of Auckland and Wellington with Mr. Stafford; and the Middle Islanders have to consider what they are going to do for self-pre-Bervation. We need hardly mention the fact

that anything but unanimity ® x^ B among the different sections of the Middle Island. Not only the provinces are jealous of one but within their own boundaries a still greater difference of opinion exists. Some Canterbury members have hitherto harmonised with some of Nelaon and. some of Otago ; but the alliance has been partial and in its nature unexpanding. Formed of provincial sections, the party was afc once formed and limited in number by the action of local differences. "What may be the case in the coming session of the new Assembly it is impossible to predict. There will be a large number of new representatives from the Southern constituencies, whose opinions, even if formed, are as yet unknown. Their very number makes cohesion more unlikely; and there is a disintegrating element even more effective still; namely, the want of recognized leaders. "We fear that if next session is opened with a battle under old banners, and the shouting of some well-worn political war-cry, the Southern representatives will be so broken up among the old parties that it will be almost impossible to unite them again for the duty of self-preservation. They will present a weak and disorganized array to the solid front of the closely allied Northerners, who will thereby gain an easy victory for their self-aggrandizing projects. We do not suggest that the representatives of the Middle Island should give up their settled convictions altogether ; we only point out that there is a common ground to stand upon, and a common interest of no small magnitude to defend. The first session of a new Parliament may be a happy occasion for a recognition of the bond which unites all these provinces together. All must have at least the same object, the preservation of this part of "the colony from any unfair demands or insidious attacks by the other part. So far as joint action is required for such a purpose, every member ought to be, and doubtless will be, ready to give his hearty cooperation. This object achieved, it will be competent to every one to pursue that line of future conduct which he may think most advantageous to the colony at large. We have spoken of local differences and inter-provincial jealousies. In Canterbury we trust that the former will not be allowed to stand in the way of the general good. The elections are over now, and thirteen gentlemen are returned to represent this part of the province. The public have a right to hope that they will forget the minor exasperations of a protracted candidature, and will unite without hesitation if it be necessary to protect the province from injustice. This is surely not too much to expect, and we may confidently assume that it will be done. But Canterbury alone cannot protect the Middle Island from a direct attack upon it by the whole North. Canterbury and Otago may do much together; but the task will need the combined efforts of all these provinces, from Nelson to Southland, to make sure of success. Interprovincial jealousies are always hard to remove, and one of the most difficult kind is that which has grown up between Canterbury and Otago. Otago complains that Canterbury is haughty and overbearing and has treated the other provinces with contumely. It does not matter whether the complaint is well or ill founded, or which of the two provinces has been most in the wrong and should make the first advance. The danger is too great and too near for punctilio. The two provinces are very closely connected by nature ; their interests are alike, and their objects ought to be the same. We hope to see Canterbury stretching out its hand to Otago, and Otago warmly responding, with a resolution to help in the protection of one another, and in averting all threatened injustice South. We believe that there is no jealous feeling between Canterbury and any of the other provinces, Nelson, Marlborough or Southland ; but between the last named and Otago, some political bitterness has existed, which needs but an effort on both sides to forgive and forget, while both are joined for the common good. Making common cause, then, between the three most southern provinces, and inviting the co-operation of Nelson and Marlborough, the Middle Island representatives in the next session of tne Assembly will doubtless be able to adopt measures which will protect their common interests, before entering upon a warfare certain to split them up into the usual number of conflicting subdivisions.