THE BOATING SERVICE.

Taranaki Herald, Volume XVIII, Issue 1005, 27 July 1870, Page 2

THE BOATING SERVICE.

To the Editor of tlie Takanaki Herald.

Sir, — An importer remarks in your paper of yesterday, "It is a matter of serious consideration whether members of a Provincial Council are to vote in accordance with their own views or represent in Council the sentiments of tiieir constituents." Representative government is a very dear form of government, but we are willing to pay dear for the privilege of governing ourselves. If our members instead of representing our opinions become the aiders and abettors of despotism, we have no longer a representative government. Members of Provincial Councils and the General Assembly are elected to represent tlie voice of tlie people, to act as a check on existing government. In cases where measures are suggested on which public opinion is not expressed or ascertained, members act on their own judgment for the benefit of their constituents. At times, however, we see members abuse the confidence reposed in them, opposing the schemes of a Government (whose policy is generally approved of by the country and their constituents) for no other obvious reason than to gratify party spirit or to gain self emolument. So glaring an instance of ignoring the principles of our Constitution and making a mockery of representative government, has probably never been so demonstrated as in the action pursued by our town representatives in voting* in direct opposition to tlie expressed wish of their constituents. In the present enlightened age public opinion is rarely at fault, but we often see instances of party spirit and self interest pei*verting the rninils and judgment of representatives ; could they divest themselves of such influences and represent faithfully their constituents, the country would be much benefited. Our members have (in supporting the visionary scheme of an imbecile Government) ignored their constituents, and made a mockery of representative government by supporting despotism. We can no longer repose confidence in men who persistingly continue to misrepresent our views — the sooner, therefore, they are replaced by others mho will represent us, the better for the interests of the Province. — I am, &c,

New Zealander. New Plymouth, July 21, 1870.