PROVINCIALIST REACTION.

Nelson Examiner and New Zealand Chronicle, Volume XXX, Issue 76, 20 January 1872, Page 12

PROVINCIALIST REACTION.

" Nelson Examiner," December 30. The Auckland correspondent of the Otago Daily Times, reports a discussion in the Auckland Provincial Council, in which Mr. Creighton, Mr. Swanson, and Mr. James Mackay, jun. took a leadiug part, and which shows a strong revulsion of feeling in favour of provincial institutions, arising out of the unsatisfactory character of the colonial legislation on immigration and public works, and want of confidence in the promises, and policy of Government. Mr. Creighton, a politician whose sagacity, readiness in debate, and close attention to business are bringing him into the front rank, moved a long resolution disapproving of the change in the constitution of the provinces, attempted without notice last session ; of the reduction of provincial allowances ; of the increased taxation ; and of the general want of thrift on the part of the Colonial Government. Mr. Creighton was cautious, but Mr. Swanson was outspoken, and denounced the log-rolling and incapacity of the Legislature, and the want of faith on the part of the Government. Mr. Mackay declared himself to be convinced of the error of his centralist views. He analyzed the native policy, which he pronounced to be such as could not be tolerated if exposed to watchful local criticism. The vaunted native roads opened no disturbed districts, and had neither strategic nor commercial value; nothing but a strong provincialisfc party could save us. There were several amendments; one defining proper provincial reforms, and another confining the censure to the attempt to legislate on provincial institutions without ample notice. Such a reaction is perfectly natural, but not wholly reasonable. The Examiner has repeatedly pointed out the dangers of an entire centralization of government. American experience shows that democra-, cies may be cruel tyrannies, although the American constitution was framed to preserve a check on central authority, and the absolute sway of the majority of the hour. But it is not on these grounds that the reaction proceeds. Disgust at local blunders and extravagance has thrown a great man} r people thoughtlessly : into the arms of the central government, forgetful of the old proverb, " out of the frying-pan into the fire," and careless as they fled from Scylla, of the Charybdis they were approaching. Government is commonly as the people are, and constituencies lax in their political and moral creeds make reckless loose Governments. Another large section of politicians, including the mass of the Provincialist, are like the engineer " hoist with his own petard." They had borrowed locally, till capitalists were alarmed and would lend no more. They then desired to make a cat's-paw of the higher authority, and eagerly demanded and obtained the consolidation of loans, which repaired the decaying credit of the country. After a short interval of prudence came the prophet of gambling, and all the country for a time thronged at his heels. But Mr. Vogel having obtained the reins, and the control of money, was not likely to surrender his miraculous gifts to smaller men — and accordingly has not handed the fruits of our revived credit to his provincial supporters to distribute, but intends to enjoy the philanthropic pleasure of presiding himself at the dissipation. But the modifications he proposed in provincial institutions cannot be reckoned as a serious blow at them, although they came with hideous impropriety from him. The constitutional position of Provincialism has not been altered, and all the daugers of the railway policy, and all the sins of the Government and Legislature, have arisen and been committed notwithstanding that organization to which the reactionary party point as our refuge. If Pro-

vincialism is dead, the verdict must be " killed with kindness," or "felo de se the deceased having drowned himself in Malmsey wine." If a revival were possible, who can guarantee us against the return of the suicidal spirit. The monstrous folly and ignorance of the native policy has been preached in every province of New Zealand, as well as in the General Assembly. The reckless extravagance of our ordinary finance has been visible to all. Few have been deceived, few have believed, but a large majority have chosen to drink of the pleasant cup. They have put cotton-wool in their ears, not against the Sirens, but against unpleasant prophesying. Provinces and colony — the people of New Zealand — have " gone in for their luck," and it is not by a strong provincialist reaction, but by a general resolve, like that of JPalstaffi to " purge and live cleanly," that either colony or provinces can be restored. But such a reaction as has begun in Auckland, is likely enough to continue and gather strength, and as we have never desired to see the local principle in our constitution swamped, we will venture to offer to the leaders some suggestions as to the mode in which a healthy provincialism may be established — for it has never yet existed. Eirst, its duties and powers must be exactly defined. Secondly, it must be financially independent, not subsisting on surplus general revenue or shares in colonial loans. Thirdly, it must not be allowed to appear in the Assembly by its Superintendents and paid officebearers, but must be represented in one house by independent members elected over the whole provincial constituency. This last reform, by which a Legislative Council of real weight and independence may be obtained, is the best hope in any case for controlling the corruption of the larger House of the Legislature. We are not sanguine of restoring any sort of Provincialism in the confusion and decrepitude of our financial state. There does not appear to us to be room or funds for so large an institution ; and counties, extended road boards, and municipalities established on colonial authority, must, we believe, serve to maintain the local principle. But the three conditions we have pointed out are the foundation on which, if at all, the provinces of New Zealand must be permanently established.