[From the Spectator, July 21.]

Nelson Examiner and New Zealand Chronicle, Volume VIII, 12 January 1850, Page 182

[From the Spectator, July 21.]

The Colonial dinner at Greenwich ought to produce richer and riper fruits than the dessert and the speeches. It was remarkable for its occasion and composition. General dissatisfaction in the colonies, nothing done for their contentment either in Downing-street or Parliament, the session closing without a prospect of improvement even next session, — these are the circumstances under which many intelligent men of all parties escape from the cross purposes and petty entanglements of House and Club to compare notes and resources, and see what can be done for the Colonies. No attack was made on any person, not even on Lord Grey ; but the very gathering was based on a sense of hopeless mistrust in the present conduct of the colonial administration. That the dissatisfaction extends to every section of politicians, is proved by the concurrence of men representing every section, — of Lord Monteagle, who represents the older Whigs; of Lord Lyttleton, the Liberal Conservatives; Sir William Molesworth, the Radicals; Mr. Cobden, the Manchester school; Mr. Stafford, the Protectionist Tories ; Mr. Monsell, the intelligent AngloIrish ; Mr. O'Connell, the Celtic Irish ; Mr. F. Baring, the great commercial interests ; and Mr. Aglionby, even the Hawes interest ! The colonies had their representatives ; also the theoretical colonisrUionists, and the emigrationists. As to the extent of the views propounded, it may be learned from Lord Lyttleton, who confessed the utter incompetency of the Colonial Office, and stood up for local self-government. Lord Lyttleton is a conscientious man, young, able, plainspoken, and much respected; he was Undersecretary for the Colonies when Mr. Gladstone was Secretary. This is a formidable band, the probable nucleus of a more extensive league, for overawing the faineants of Parliament or the Office.