The Taranaki Herald. PUBLISHED DAILY. WEDNESDAY, JULY 9, 1879.

Taranaki Herald, Volume XXVII, Issue 3169, 9 July 1879, Page 2

The Taranaki Herald. PUBLISHED DAILY. WEDNESDAY, JULY 9, 1879.

The student of the theory of constitutional Government wlio wishes to behold a practical illustration of its working must not hope to see it in New Zealand. One of the theories of such a mode of Government is that the supporters of the party in power furnish the Ministers who form tho Cabinet. This rule has been more honored in the breaoh than, in the observance, in our experienco of party tactics in New Zealand. One of the latest developments of party Government is the extraordinary and violent separation of Mr. Ballance from his chief, and the equally extraordinary adhosion of Mr. Gisborne. Mr. Ballance's separation from his colleagues is somewhat similar to the birth of a meteor — a sudden disruption by some internal power ; a headlong projection into space, accompanying heat and light ; and then . extinction. Mr. Gisborne, ou the other hand, is more like

a political jelly-fish, having extraordinary powers of assimilation ; floating on the sea of party, its many and lengthy tentacles feeling about for something to lay hold of it is equally ready to seize on and swallow the debris of tho Atkinsonion pabulum, or the more revolutionary political panaceas of Grey, provided the sustenance is liberal and secure. Ho has therefore readily, if not greedily, absorbed the bait dropped to him. Mr. GHsborne's political slipperihess became a very sorry jest in the House during the session of 1877. Like Captain Macheath he no doubt mentally exclaimed, " How happy could I be with either were 'tobher dear charmer away." But unfortunately as both charmers — Grey and Atkinson — were present, the situation, as may be imagined, was very complicated for him. He first voted on one side, and then voted on the other side, and made himself . a delightful object of interest to both parties. Neither was sure of him, but both j were hopeful that at tho last he would turn up right. Gisborne, however, was equal to the occasion. When the supremo moment arrived, when the strength of parties trembled in the balance, when the Speakor had to decide the equal fight by recording his vote in favor of Grey, Mr. Gisborne was conveniently ill — was not at. the division, was not paired ; but to put matters all right, he subsequently explained in the House that if he had been present he would have voted against Grey, and in favor of Atkinson's motion of Want of Confidence. Now he has a seat in the Cabinet, as colleague of him he would have voted against had the opportunity offered. And this we are told is governing by party ; in fact, Constitutional Governmont. In plain language (which is best on these occasions), Mr. Gisborne simply joins to secure pay and power. Had Atkinson's Government been in office, and a similar offer made (which is rather doubtful), we have not the slightest doubt that Mr. Gisborne would have managed to adjust his ; principles to those of the ruling party, and fastened to his portfolio with the greatest alacrity. Thore are, unfortunately, many Gisbornes. He is a typical specimen of the coming Minister, technically known as the omnivorous politician. When one of these individuals has a pleasant manner, and considerable ability as Mr. Gisborne has, no ordinary politician of principle and political honesty would stand a chance against him. Possessing such wonderful powor of assimilation, such unequalled flexibility of -the vertebral column, these politicians can livo and thrive when others would starve; and as it is now an acknowledged law of nature that the fittest animal survives we are justified in conferring on Mr. Gisborne the proud distinction of being the typical statesman of the future, the undoubted outcome of our glorious Constitutional Government by party, as beingdeveloped in this great Colony of New Zealand.