OUR REPRESENTATIVES.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume II, Issue 18, 22 January 1867, Page 2

OUR REPRESENTATIVES.

To the Editor of the Evening Mail. . Sir — I think the time has arrived wher , the represented, or, I would rather say" tha misrepresented electors of New Zealand, should turn their attention to the class if

members, they elect to represent them in the Assembly of the colony. Is it not a fact, that a large majority of the members belong to a class who frame laws and pass th»m hurriedly through the House, imposing new taxes upon the people, which taxes are not only one sided, but are obnoxious and obstructive to business. Take for illustration the Stamp Act. Just look at the conduct of the House on this Act, with what alacrity it was made law and put into operation, and compare it with the reception, the motiou for the consideration of a wool tax received from this august Assembly. The House was counted out, when this question was brought forward, or in other words, this was too personal a question for a large number of the hon. members. It Avould touch their pockets which are sacred and must not. be interfered with, and the best way to dispose of it, is to absent themselves from the House upon the night when it is brought forward, the House is counted out and this is the end of the difficulty. It would be interesting to knoAv the names of the members who were present upon that evening. In reading over that long farewell address of the hon. member for Waimea, I was amused to see the inoffensive manner in which he passed over this question. Mark his words:—The proposal of an export duty on wool did not come befoie the House, but had it been brought forward, I should have voted for it; although I confess very unwillingly. If this gentlemau's reply to the question, if he would vote for a wool tax, when he addressed his constituents lately, was correctly reported in the newspapers, this statement in his farewell address illustrates the good adage, a wise man changes his opinion, a fool never. I would feel obliged if this gentleman would add a glossary to his address, and iustruct the ignorant in matters so important, (as there are few heaven-born legislators.) 1. I wonder who was the solitary statesman that England produced. 2. Where is the best place to groAv and develope the coming men of a political caste. 3. Does the hon. gentleman not think that we are a highly favored people, seeing that England has only produced one heaven-born legislator, while we have a gl—ed an—l for Premier. I am, &c, Rough Shod. Nelson, 22nd January, 1867.