POLITICAL—GENERAL.

Southland Times, Issue 935, 17 April 1868, Page 2

POLITICAL— GENERAL.

"With the termination of the session of the G-eneral Assembly there has been almost a suspension of public discussion on colonial subjects, During the last fewmonthsboththe colonial and provincial legislatures, with few exceptions, have been in Tecess, and the dispute between the •, Unionists and the Provincialists almost entirely ignored by the public press. The period for the re-assembling of the Colonial Parliament is now rapidly approaching and indications of a revival of party strife are cropping up. The Provincial Councils in Otago, Southland, and other provinces are being summoned for the despatch of business, in order that important subjects may be debated previous to the meeting of the Assembly, which is expected to talte place in July next. It is well that such a policy should be pursued. The number of conferences, n egotiations, and arrangements whichhave been made between the heads of the Colonial and Provincial Governments during the period alluded to are so varied and important that until the particulars of all governmental transactions are laid before the respective Provincial Councils, no just estimate can be made of their color and complexion. Auckland, in all probability, will fling itself into the arms of the Unionists, and most of the smaller provinces of the North Island may follow suit. On the other hand, Canterbury through the Council, has decided in favor of a reformed provincial system. Otago favors reannexation of the new provinces to the original ones, or insular separation. Nelson and Wellington give uncertain sounds, while Southland waits with complacency to learn what has been done before giving an adherence to any party. The Provincial Council of Otago is now in session, and it is understood that what is called extra . Provincial questions, such as Separation, and the relations between the General and Provincial Governments, and the reunion of Otago and Southland, will form an important part of its proceedings. It may be as well to state at once what we Tnowto be the general feeling of the great majority of the people of Southland. We will not reunite, simply because we are very fairly dealt with by the Colonial Government ; and the politicians of Otago have never yet definitely stated on what grounds they desired the annexation of this Province. They simply have hitherto asserted that it would be for the benefit of Southland, without showing in what manner that benefit would accrue. Let them distinctly state what is the basis of the proposition — what better position we would be placed in by being united to Otago — and then it will be time enough to discuss the question.