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Lyttelton Times, Volume LXI, Issue 7225, 26 April 1884, Page 4

One of the most comical pieces of advice probably ever tendered to a decadent and despairing Ministry is that which appeared in the Ministerial organ yesterday. After much excellent display of regret at their past reticence and congratulation over their present loquacity, Major Atkinson and his colleagues are gravely informed that the conduct which they are now pursuing is likely to " rally round them " a considerable section of the population, and they are encouraged to persevere in this laudable rallying. And who, do our readers imagine, are the potent allies who are thus to be the saviours of the band of brothers in misfortune ? The deep and intelligent students of political economy? The active and energetic public men who take part in affairs? The devoted servants who give their time and health to the work of the people ? Not a bit of it. From these, and such as these, no help is to be expected. From these the Premier can hope for nothing. Surrounded by whole armies of these he might only make up his mind to " sit like Patience on a monument smiling at grief." But he is bidden by his guide, philosopher and friend to look to far other allies; he is encouraged to call boldly to his aid " that numerous and powerful section who are, at all times, willing to give a moral support to persons invested with responsibility: " or, in a little plainer terms, the crowd of dummies, fogies, incapables, who are devoid of any views of their own, and are content to swallow anything from a man in office. We do really doubt whether so excellent a joke has ever before been made by would-be guides of public opinion. And the beauty of it is that it is not meant for a joke at all. The whole thing is so solemn that it might have come from Mr Eolleston himself. Far be it from us to say that there may not be much truth in part of the suggestion. Doubtless the " section " spoken of is very numerous, so numerous that here, at least in Christchurch, it has been made a reproach by some v people that men will not come forward and take their fair share of public work. But when it is asserted that it is powerful we must take leave to doubt it, except, indeed, in so far as a log of timber might be " powerful " to arrest an advancing train, till men shove it aside. Still, for a Government in the deplorable position where ours is at present, perhaps an appeal to the army of incapables may be the best resource. Intelligence, activity, progress will have none of them; and possibly their only refuge is that suggested by their organ. But what a satire it is upon their proceedings in the past, upon their condition in the present, upon their fate in the future! We shall await with some interest the action of Major Atkinson in this matter. If his appeal to-day is made on the lines so laid down for him, the thing will be almost too delicious : anyhow it has been amusing enough as far as it has gone.