ABOLITION OF THE PROVINCES.

Thames Advertiser, Volume VII, Issue 1886, 8 August 1874, Page 3

ABOLITION OF THE PROVINCES.

The Cross correspondent telegraphs i follows respecting the attitude of membei on Mr Voxel's proposals: —" At tt Otago caucus the difference of opinio was considerable, the members bin pretty equally divided on the subject ( the North Island consolidation, uperii tendent Macamirew and Secretary fiei argued side by side against such a course on the ground ttiat it was an interferenc with local self government, and wouli lead to the absorption of the Southen land fund; others maintained that no sucl result «ould follow, and the land fum should bo preserved. Ibe • tagans brokt up without coining to any conclusion, as they would reconsider the subject. The Premier's statement to-day respecting the North Island was that no action was intended by the orovernine it this session, that the seat of government should be fixed by Act, and ihat the compact of 1856 should be similarly established, which will remove some of the Otag ■ nuposition to the <>ortti Island propusal Various rumours were current yesterday touching the possible division, and so many as 44 votes were said to be favourable to the change proposod. be Premier's speech you will receive otherwise thau from me. Some Opposition members, who are favourable to the consolidation of the North Island, profess to think it so great a question that the Government should go to the country ou it. They would like a dissolution at once, hoping to gather strength thereby." Tbo Herald correspondent also telegraphs :-" There is great excitement her ß oi Mr Vogel's forest speech. It is gouwnlly considered to h the moat mk

and injudicious he ever made, the Provincialists are all up in arms. A caucus of Otago members convened by Mr Vlaoandrew was held this day. Fifteen attended, among whom were Macandrew, Bradshaw, tiillies, Murry, Tolmie, Mervyn, Thompson, bhep'ierd, and others. The object of the meeting was to consider the suggested constitutional changes. There is a feeling that until a definite proposal is made it wis not possible that any resolution could be arrived at. A strong feeling was espresso t in favour of resisting any proposal affecting Ihe integrity of the provinces and their institutions, especially relating to the land fund. Some thought that if an Act were passed confirming the compact of 1856, the riouth need not fcar what changes were made in the North. The majority thought that if interference were once permitted in the North, same in the riouth. would follow. Mr Macandrew is irate against Mr Vogel's proposals, and Mr Vogel is irate at his henebman. -Mr Vogel has prematurely shewn the card he intended playing next session, which he wished to keep in his sleeve, and has thus been entrapped iuio an expression of opinion which is cons-id red impolitic and injudicious. Messrs O'iforke, eyuolds, and the •laori'Grand Vizier' strongly opposed the proposal of provincial consolidation in the -oi'tb. There are about 46 members of the House connected with Provincial institutions, who will beat the Centralist scliein* if possible. Mr Vogel counted heads, and thought he would have 43; but finds he can only get 26 supporters. Mr Fitzherberfc and Mr Vogel both very bitter. Mr Fitzherbert will organise and lead the Opposition if ,; no other person can ba found. Tbe pro- * vinces, of course, will beat any man at present, and many say if the country be appealed 10 on the Centralisation cry the frovincialists will carry the day. Mr Vogel has not pluck nor nerve enough to try the issue. Tuere was also a caucus of Auckland members, but nothing was agreed on.