THE DISMISSAL OF MR REID.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 3365, 18 November 1872, Page 3

THE DISMISSAL OF MR REID.

TO TIIK EDITOR. Slit—lkC.sponsiblc government differs from mere Parliamentary government ia recjuiring the permanent head of the State to conform to the views of Ministers, who are indirectly chosen by the representative assembly, but directly responsible to that body. In Prussia we have an example of Parliamentary government, whilst .England offers the most notable instance of the coinpleter form. It is impossible for two supreme authorities to co-exist ; and if it is desired to preserve that degree of responsibility through which efficiency can alone be maintained, either the head of the State must be allowed to determine his own policy, and the selection of hits agents to conduct it ; or else, if Ministers approved of by Parliament are entrusted with the administration, and held accountable for its exercise, their nominal head must be guided in all things by the directions which, under the name of advice, they may lay down. This muat be understood without reservation. It would be absurd to say that the titular chief magistrate was bound to accept good advice, but might dispense with bad. That would be to constitute him the judge, and at once desroy the responsibility of his advisers. And if in all things he is required to adapt his course to their recommendations, it is necessary most of all thatheshould do so as regards the tenure of their own appointments. That, indeed, is the vital point of the matter ; for were the nominal ruler allowed a voice as to retaining his advisers, he would obviously bo in a position to accept those only whose ideaa tallied exactly with his own, or, where any divergence of opinion existed, the power of dismissal would alwayß in effect secure conformity. To these considerations public attention must Iks directed by the step which our Superintendent has thought proper to adopt in dismissing Mr Reid. Whatever may be the respective merits of the two forms of Government, we have hitherto been under the imprest-ion that our Pr •vinuiol system was of the responsible character, liut that view is clearly brought in question by the power which Mr Macandrew has assumed of parting with advisers possessing the confidence of the Council. It is obvious that no one can approve of his own dismissal. And if the Superintendent can take this extreme step in defiance of the Ministry, he may clearly dispense with their advice on any point. If Mr Macandrew is in reality legally justified in such a course, then the responsible feature does not exist; and in tliat case it is difficult to see the necessity for any Ministry or Executive whatever. If the .Superintendent during the recess of Council may dUeard his advisers and install othtrs, the whole direction of affairs rests with him, and the business of the Province might as well be transacted through the permanent heads of departments without the intervention of so-called Ministers at all.

It is possible that this idea may have occurred with more or *ess distinctness to those gentlemen whom, it is said, Mr Macandrew has invitcil to join him.; otherwise, we could hardly account for the delay and hesitation that characterise their movements. They probably recognise that' to take office at las behest would bo to share the responsibility for the very serious course he has adopted, ami commit themselves to an attack upon our present system of 'accountability. Other considerations, also, may perhaps have an influence. Mr Macandrew's past career is too well known to need -continent, ami although uo one could be reproached with loss of reputation fur. accepting, office under his nominal presidency, if placed there by the vote of the elective assembly, it is not everybody who would like to owe his appointment to the personal favour of that gentleman, or hold it merely at his good pleasure. The character of Mr Macaadrew's political antecedents v/as keenly felt at the time of his election six years ago, and. was freely expressed by the richer classes, among whom we aru informed lie id now seeking his instruments. Whatever success may attend bis endeavours, it 's certain that ho one accepting office from liim nniler the present circumstances can pietcml to the position of a Minister legitimately appointed with the approval of the Council. Mr Mncandrew's nominees can I « nothing more than lv's p< rsonal partisan?, and will doubt lees be held answerable with him for ousting adviser* whom the Council supported, as also for their own unconstitutional tenure of office; irales3 r _ indeed, it should result that «c have hitherto been under a delusion as to the nature of- the Government under whi&h we are living.— 1 am, &c.j MASTKJi HCAU'JIKEV.