Page 2 Advertisements Column 2

Marlborough Press, Volume I, Issue 20, 19 May 1860, Page 2

IJ\O the ELECTORS of the WAIRAU. Gentlemen —At a moment of crisis and difficulty, with two great questions that must now he met and decided, I believe it to be the duty of every true colonist to come forward according to his means and abilities should the country require it. It has been represented to me that my accession to the Ministry would add to its strength, forward those political vietvs we hold in common, and conduce to the benefit of the public service; I shall therefore accept office as a member of the present Government at the commencement of the session, unless prevented by unforeseen circumstances. I shall not recapitulate my general views and principles they are well known to you; but if I take office, I do so in order to bring any influence I may possess to bear on the two great questions of the day—the Native question, and the even more important one of the ultimate form into which our institutions, according to one party, are to be moulded, or, as I prefer, to be allowed to lesolve themselves. The first question virtually resolves itself to this: Is the Queen’s authority or that of certain chiefs to be paramount ? The present difficulty at Taranaki is not a question in any way of ownership or title to land. It is this: Cana chief who assumes tribal authority forbid the exercise of rights of ownership by a native owner of land ? I hold that quasisovereign authority, as claimed by WiremuKingi, in his forcible attempt to prevent the sale of land which did not belong lo him, to be incompatible with the authority of the Crown, whilst, •as asserted bv an act of open aggression it could neither be ignored noi condoned. I hold the exercise of such assumed powers of .chieftainship to be incompatible with the advance of civilization amongst the natives themselves ; it is antagonistic to the rights of private property, and leads to the perpetuation of communistic habits, and to the preponderance of mere strength over social or legal order ; as it is also clearly detrimental to good relations and union between the races, and to the present interests, and the fulfilment of the high future destinies of New Zealand. Whilst I most deeply regret the necessity of. an appeal to arms, and foresee the expenses, losses, bloodshed, ond other sacrifices that may for a time result to the colony, I yet doubt not but that the most humane, as well as the wisest course is now, once and for ever, firmly to uphold and beyond dispute to establish the supremacy of the Crown; and I am sure that the whole colony will unite, at any cost, to support his Excellency the Governor inthemanly and decided course he has taken, and will accord to him and his advisers a generous confidence in circumstances entailing an unusual amount of responsibility and a large exercise of discretion. I will now pass to the second subject of vital interest—it is that of the whole future political organization of the country. Is New Zealand to be fashioned into a federation of petty states, with arbitrarily fixed yet unchangeable boundaries ; each state possessing its dependent districts ? Or, on the other hand, shall we allow the free action of the people of the country to enable it to fulfil the conditions of a healthy growth, by altering old geographical and political boundaries in accordance with requirements that may from time to time arise? Thus creating new “ Provinces ” or districts, with large powers of self-government in purely local matters, whilst the progress of the colony will more and more enable the one general legislature efficiently to represent, and effectively to deal with, all subjects that are common to the colony as a whole. The former system is American in theory, and in application doctrinaire, for it has no root in the wants or feelings of the people. The latter system is English in theory, and in practice is comprehensible and workable b} r us— British colonists. The tendency to the former system has grown out of the mode in which our constitution was launched adrift by Sir George Grey, whilst the latter system was no doubt the ideal formed by the Minister of the Crown who proposed, and by the Parliament that granted, our Constitution. In the former system I see necessary expense; probable confusion from concurrent powers; six or eight legislative bodies doing badly the work that might be done well by one; a multiplicity of laws ; and no real self-government for outlying districts. On the other hand, inthe latter system I. see a very possible reduction of expense; a simplicity and unity in laws and administration for purposes common to all; one legislative body, in.which the most competent men in the colony might meet; and full local self-government, legislative and administrative, in all really local matters. The time is now come when we must choose in which direction our political machine is to move; the New Provinces Act has guided its tendency aright, and given freedom to the natural course of events. For my part, I shall maintain its principle to the utmost, and am satisfied that it will result in as sound a political organization as we may hope to attain, and will immensely conduce to the rapid colonization of the country, by localizing the apportionment of the land fund, and by stimulating local exertions. In intimate connection with this subject is that of representation. The members of the House of Representatives must be increased; several districts want members or additional ones; new interests (such, for instance, as that of mining), are springing up and need representation. This should be effected by a measure carefully framed with a view to represent all classes, interests, and opinions as fairly as possible. There are other measures needed, chiefly of an administrative character, which I shall not now discuss; but in concluding this address, I cannot but express my sincere regret that my weak state of health has hitherto prevented me from meeting you personally, I trust, however, ere long, to be able to do so; and I feel it hardly necessary to assure you that, whether as one of the Government, or as a private member of the House of Representatives, I shall ever use my best endeavours to advance the interests and promote the prosperity of Wairau and of all New Zealand. I have the honour to be, Gentlemen, Your most obedient servant, Feed. A. Weld, j 245 May 1, 18S0.

WANTED, a WHEELWRIGHT and a JOINER. Only good hands need apply. James Gorrie, Builder, Blenheim. May 18, 1860. 246