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Oamaru Mail, Volume IV, Issue 1219, 13 March 1880, Page 2

NoTniJfG could be more palpable now than that the several Commissions apj pointed by the Government ai-e a blind. Hitherto it has been a-recognised principle in the formation of Commissions, as it lias been in the formation of Parliamentary Committees, that they shall include an element of the Opposition. Yet the Native, the Public Works, the Railway, the Civil Service, and the Local Industries Commissions have been appointed with a total disregard of this principle. There is not a single member of any of them that is not a warm supporter of the Government. This fact would of iteslf be a sufficient guarantee that the wishes of the Government will be .carried out in regard to the matters upon which they have been appointed tp deliberate. But it appears that the Government desires to transfer all responsibility that properly belongs to them to the shoulders of the .Commissioners. They i are not to be allowed $q .quietly coa-

sider the matters... relegated ..to them on their merits, away from outside influences. Even the Minister for Public Works is making a stalking horse of these Commissions by recommending deputations to him to appeal to them. He the other day recommended a deputation which waited upon him at Blenheim to wait upon the Railway Commission when they visit Blenheim. A deputation from Palmerston North on a similar errand has also obtained an interview with the Commissioners. The Minister for Public "Works has only now to make the Pailway Commission aware of his wishes regarding these matters, and they will be carried out. Could anjiMng be more farcical 1