THE ABOLITION SCHEME.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XI, Issue 3995, 1 September 1874, Page 3

THE ABOLITION SCHEME.

To the Editor of the Hlrald. Sir, —Sir Itoger tic G'overley was undoubtedly correct in stating that there are two sides to every question ; and as Mr. Vogel's resolutions are of such vital importance to the future of New Zealand, I consider yon were perfectly justified in drawing public attention not oiily to tiie points raised by "Anti-Provineialist" in his letter of this morning, out also in expressing your belief that the members who voted for the resolutions have not had quite fair play, or that their motives have not been rightly interpreted. If, as your correspondent considers possible, the majority had previously been made aware that the abolition of the Northern provinces was merely the lirst step to total abolition, how, may I ask, can he satisfactorily dispose of the two following incidents of the debate? —(1.) The sudden resignation of the Hon. Mr. O'liorke. Of course every one is aware that any important Government measure is always discussed beforehand in the Cabinet previous to its being brought before i.'io Tit: lj'. !«;«' suo>. beicc Site case it is quire conclusi . to my mu<u b* 1 Mr. Vogel had the slightest suspicion ciuifc his resolutions would have been so unfavourably received, as they certainly are, by a majority of the Northern public, he would have attempted, had the idea at the moment occurred to him, to retain the allegiance of the lion. Mr. O'liorke by at least taking him into his confidence regarding the second move. Not having done so proves conclusively to my mind that lie had no ulterior object beyond that embodied in the resolutions, and that his Southern supporters blindly embarked with him in his latest voyage into space for the sake of "auhl laiig syne.'' ("2.) The statement of the Hon. Mr. Reynolds on behalf of the Government, that it was prepared to pass an Act confirming the so-called compact of ISOG, thereby vesting the waste lands of the Southern provinces for ever in local hands. After assuming that our members who supported the foregoing are shrewder than wc take them for, your correspondent continues, " What is the main object to be kept in view ? Is it not the recovery of the Southern land fund to the colony V Some great change must first take place to pave the way to other changes." " Anti-Pro vincialist" will admit that it is certainly a roundabout way to "pave the way" to the recovery of the Southern land fund to commence by passing a special Act irrevocably handing it over into Southern hands. No; look at the matter from what side we may, we are forced back to the conclusion that Mr. Vogel desired the abolition of provincialism in the North Island only, and that to effect his object he had to ofl'cr the Southern vote a sop, in the form of Mr. Reynolds' proposition. What actuated the Northern members to disxjose of their birthright 1 fancy, therefore, still remains to be I explained.—l am, &e., I F. H. Tkoci-. August 31, 1574.