Untitled

Oamaru Mail, Volume XVI, Issue 5083, 19 September 1891, Page 2

It is said that Mr M'Kenzie will exhaust every constitutional means to secure the passing of his Land Bill. That is what we expected. But it is also said that Parliament is to prorogue within a few days, and that a number of the Southern members are preparing to leave Wellington at the end of the week. This undue haste to get home is one of the peculiarities of our politicians. They seem to be actuated more by considerations of their own personal convenience than a feeling of obligation to transact the public business. Hence, at the close of every session there is a large amount of legislation that is postponed, whatever may be its urgency. On the present occasion, the Land Bill—the most important measure that has been before Parliament for a long while, and which represents the aspirations of the people for many years —is in singular danger, whilst lion, members complacently pack their valises. A third of the members of the House do not, of course, want the Bill, and if they aie impatient to return to the caresses of their families and to receive the plaudits of their constituents, let them go ; but the two-thirds who do want the Bill, and who are pledged to do their utmost to have it passed, should not permit their enemies to return home with the news that they have killed the Bill. It is their duty to remain iti Wellington till the Government have brought into play every move provided by constitutional Government to secure respect for the popular voice. There is no necessity whatever that the prorogation should take place till the Bill has been passed ; and if the Liberal majority stampede home before that has been accomplished, the only excuse they will be able to urge for their neglect of duty will be that they wanted to get home. Is this the sort of excuse that patriots should make ?