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New Zealand Times, Volume XXIX, Issue 4280, 8 December 1874, Page 2

The ffi'cy River Argus, a usually wellinformed paper, states that the Government will propose as a substitute for Provincialism a measure which will as nearly approach the County of Westland Act as could be imagined, and thnt the preparation of tho measure is entrusted to, Mr. Moorhouse. ■ It is not for us to inquire what special means of information our contemporary possesses, but we take leave to doubt his accuracy in both particulars. As an avowed anti-provincialisfc, the Argus has lately had a difficult part -tn. in endoavoring to justify the vote of the member for the district, Mr. Harbison, on the proposed Constitutional amendment, and for that purpose. apparently raises a structure which it proceeds to demolish. A few months since it cordially approved the proposal of the Premier to abolish Provincialism in this island, and advocated a similar course throughout the colony. Then, Provincialism was a costly incubus, to be got rid of speedily and at any cost; now, however, it finds that its imagined substitute would be worse, and that Road Boards are a mistake. Then, there was no doubt that an immense amount of money had been squandered to uphold the provincial form of government; now, the Road Board system has proved an utter failure. The Boards are: charged with "an utter want of understanding, " and a disposition to evade all " direct responsibility as regards providing means for public works by " direct taxation. They are always cry- " ing out.to Jupiter instead of putting " their own shoulder to the wheel ;" and it is affirmed that the money which has been placed at their disposal would have produced double theresults if expended by the Provincial authorities. This is pretty well for apaper which, while still anavowed anti-provinciajist, finds that the West Coast districts are not " really fitted for a sys- " tern of local self-government," and leads to,the 1 inference that the Argus has returned to 'a former love for a nominated Superintendent and Council. But we take leave again to differ from our contemporary as to facts. We are unaware of any direct taxation' having been imposed in Westland except by the Road Boards and Municipalities, ; and we do not know of oven an education, rate haying been levied by the Provincial authorities. The County, of Westland Act was; initiated by the Hon. John Hall, and the County Council, in its first session, resolved that a proportion of the land fund should be awarded to the Boards of the districts where raised. This, however, was ignored, and the revenue, from whatever source, '. was absorbed by the County Council, which cried aloud to Jupiter for more. On the other, hand, the,Road Boards have rated their, alrsady over-taxed constituents, the minora, and still continue to perform their .useful functions inexpensively, and with excellent results as compared with their small means.,