THE Thames Advertiser. TUESDAY, NOV. 7, 1876.

Thames Advertiser, Volume IX, Issue 2464, 7 November 1876, Page 2

THE Thames Advertiser. TUESDAY, NOV. 7, 1876.

The Riverfcon, Timaru, Cromwell, and other districts celebrated the introduction of the Abolition Bill in a fitting manner, but the enthusiastic admirers of the new system at the Thames made no sign. However, we do not think the system will work less successfully on that occount, and there are those who go so far as to predict its failure when it is thoroughly tried in the administration of the affairs ;of this goldfield. We cannot be classed amongst the latter, although we are free to confess that we approve of the undemonstrative inauguration d the new... system, which characterised its advent here. As a rule the Thames peaple'are enthusiastic if they believe the subject of their enthusiasm is one calculated to benefit the' district—but in this instance they have accepted the cliaii"e without any expressions of a. jubilant nature.- It, may be that -.this

has been done out of respect for those who entertain different views on the subject— who suppoit the opinions hel|;% the second member for the Thahiesf Sir George Grey. In a few days, however, we may expect to listen to the'representatives of both parties. Mr Bowe will, no doubt, rrivo a full exposition of his views on the new system of local government at tho banquet to-morrow night, and Sir George Grey will certainly take an early opportunity of advocating that form of irovemuient avMcli he considers best adapted to meet the wants of North Island colonists, and the district of Auckland •in particular. We have always maintained that the principle of the Abolition Bill was good, and entertained uo.doubt.that when it was

properly tried, with liberal machinery to put it in motion, it. would be found successful. 'We have seen: its operations on a smaller scale in the success of the Timaru and Gladstone Board of Works. By that system no lesstiian twenty-four per cent, of the provincial land sales in South Canterbury were secured to a district which had been previously ignored, like the Thames, by the Provincial administration in Christchurch. That measure was strenuously opposed by the Provincial party, like the Abolition Bill of later years, and we need not wonder, therefore, that Tunarii and some • of ) the other Southern districts, which have felt the evils of Provincialism in the past, were ready to • rejoice with us

when the principle was applied throughout the colony. The Government are understood to be engaged in perfecting the machinery of the bill, so far as they are able, by dividing the counties into shires, in the first place, to facilitate the election of ■ County Councils. It is expected that all Councils will be elected before the end of the year, so that 1877 may be fairly commenced under the new system of local government. The Hon. Mr WMtaker is on his way to Auckland to perfect the transference of the provincial institution to the General Government. The Provincial Government will then be in forma pauperis, and Provincialism will receive that decent burial which Abolitionists have long maintained would sooner or later come to pass. There is one important duty which we trust will not be overlooked by the electors of the County of Thames, and the latter are those resident on,—or qualified for,—land or tenements outside the municipality of Thames, or tko .possessors of miners' rights, so. residing outside the borough.' Tlie. electors should look out for men who will represent them'-, without fear or favour, who will pledge themselves to devote their attention to local interests and to carrying out the provisions of the Act impartially and fearlessly. We have had too much of petty combinations, or party representation, in the past. Let this be put aside for upright, independent/action on the part of our. representatives, and let the electors appoint only such men as they can trust in this respect. We require good working Councils, composed of men who will put their whole energies into the duties they undertake,'and by carrying out those .duties judiciously and economically, assist in making for this colony, what the propounder of Abolition appears to.have desired we should realise, the position of a country towering by our enterprise above the sister colonies.