FIFTY YEARS AGO.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXXIII, Issue 15923, 8 May 1912, Page 6

FIFTY YEARS AGO.

(From the “Lyttelton Times ” of Wednesday, May 7, 18G2.)

On February 12 last the seventyfifth anniversary of the foundation of the Australian colonies was celebrated in-London by a dinner at the Freemason’s Tavern, at which about two hundred gentlemen interested in tbs Australasian colonies were present. No one can read tho speeches made on that occasion without being struck by tho unanimity with which the “ growing spirit of democracy” in the Australian colonies is deprecated by all present-. The Duke of Newcastle led the way; Sir J. Palmer, the ‘chairman. who was formerly President of the Legislative Assembly of -Victoria. followed in the same; strain, which was more or less echoed by the other speakers during the evening. It is manifest that the proceedings of the Australian Legislatures have lately, led ..thinking men at Home to mistrust the tendency of colonial politics, and to look forward to a- repetition of American institutions and habits, more or less modified, wherever the English nation lias: planted new- communities, ft is allowed that the material progress of the colonics under the new constitutions has exceeded expectation; but it is suspected that, as in America so. in the British colonies, material progress has been made at the expense of the .virtues which give strength, and

grace, and dignity to . the national character.

The Provincial Council elections ara now drawing to a close; the meet' important one, that for Christchurch, commences to-day, and the poll will lie taken to-morrow. It is" the only, bile where anything like a stirring contest will be experienced. There are at present seven candidates for the four seats, and it is thought likely there will be one, if not two changes r in the representation of the city. We don’t profess to know this, and can only hope the best men may be foremost.