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Lyttelton Times, Volume LXI, Issue 7143, 21 January 1884, Page 4

It was a little startling to read in the cable messages of Saturday of the rumour “ in political circles ” that a Federation Bill will, if introduced, be pretty sure to pass. This moans that it is by no means impx'obable tliat an Imperial Act enabling the Colonies to Federate will bo before our Legisture next session. The leaps and bounds by which this question is coming to the front out of the dim back country, so immeasurably removed from practical politics, bid fair to be surprising. The time is not a little dangerous.

Wo have at tho head of affairs, mon who have returned to tho old vicious system of taking .refuge from tho business of Government in Native complications. They have gladly turned to them, as Old World rulers turn at awkward moments to “ spirited ” Foreign policies. To them there is looming the chance of a " spirited ” substitute for their favourite substitute for a Foreign policy. Tho chance, indeed, is of the creation of their own delegates, largely, if some Judicious criticism is to bo believed. And it does not make things hotter when we remember that tho action of these delegates was, upon this question of Federation, not only unauthorised, but absolutely unexpected. Since their return wo have from them as yet nothing but sentiment, and now wo are threatened with tho probability of an Imperial Act accompanying their explanation before an obedient majority. Tho adoption of that Act has only to bo made a Ministerial question, which means a successful appeal to the fear of consequences which is tho mainspring of action with tho Jellyfish majority. They will probably have, also, tho aid of Sir G. Grey’s influence in the House of Representatives. Unless something is done to arouse political life, we are in danger of being driven by sentiment from tbe practical work of government to embark on tho uncertain sea of Federation, bound for no one knows what destination.