South Canterbury Times, WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 2, 1884.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 3353, 2 January 1884, Page 2

South Canterbury Times, WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 2, 1884.

Among the promising signs of the times, we regret to say we cannot include the cessation of plots or the decrease of secret societies. These still flourish in uqdiminished vigor, and prosecute their uncanny designs unchecked. Law and order seem powerless against the machinations of the societies, and the best and the bravest, the most conscientious and patriotic men fall from time to time by the hand of the assassin, while everyone in authority carries bis life in bis hand. This is the state of things in European countries. Does not the intelligence we receive from time to time suggest a comparison favourable to the colonies in which our lot is cast ? Here we have no disturbing influences except such as we deliberately ininvent for ourselves; and therefore bard as the times may be with us occasionally, we have much to congratulate ourselves upon, in that we have no closer acquaintance with plots, machinations and agitations than such as we derive from the newspapers. Yet the unhappy state of things now prevailing in various parts of Europe is but the product of years of misgovernment. That is a mistake which may easily be repeated in the colonies. It is quite easy for us to become a misgoverned community, and if that state of things is only allowed to continue long enough, it will very soon land us in similar miseries. While, therefore, we may congratulate ourselves on our immunity from the horrors of sedition and insurrection, we may not less lay to heart the lessons which the evil tidings teach. If we allow ourselves to be misgoverned it is assuredly our own fault. When we submit tamely to the domination of an unpatriotic selfish and tyrannical Government, and allow ourselves to be taxed at their pleasure, we do in fact lay up a store of trouble for the future, and if the result is disastrous to the community we shall have no one to blame but ourselves.

The community are under an obligation to the Caledonian Society for its spirited efforts to provide thoroughly good and sufficient sport for the New Year, and the Amateur Athletic Club is to be commended for its sincere desire to encourage sport as manifested by its letting its excellent ground at a figure which is hardly more than ■nominal. We wore apprehensive that iHttUedonian Society had miacalcusomewhat and would result however, We combe better

to have sewer events for the day, and make tHe prizes more valuable. There were twenty-three events yesterday, and that must be pronounced an excessive [number. However, this is a matter of detail. Taken altogether the meeting Las been a grand success, and most enjoyable.