MR FOX'S SPEECH.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 73, 7 August 1868, Page 3

MR FOX'S SPEECH.

TO TIIH KDITOII Ol' THIS fITAIt. Sir,— On reading Mr Fox's speech ono cannot help being Impressed with tho remark ho made relative to tho commencement of tho dcoline of political power in the province, Mr Fox has put his linger upon the starting point of provincial troubles— the New Provinces Aot, This was the thin end of tbo wedge, and tho opening has boon gi^'ully enlarged until local self-government la crammed In, and the power of tho provinces Is crippled nt thelrextrumetleH.and the centres bocamo palsied, it is acknowledged (hat the provlnoial form of Government was to bo of a transitory nature j that the work of colonization in Its early utago was to bo thoir function i tbat tbo maobinory of law, justice, ami oommoreo should be constructed aud set golngj that roads, bridges, and harbours should bo mado. and their mission was ao* eompllohcd, But liiia this bcon dono ? In tho time ripe for tho disruption of Provincial institutions, ond their absorption by a central government ? I think not. Better had a remedy boon untight for tho griovancon of outlying dißlrieto in an amended nnd inoroasod representation upon a different basis tban in giving thorn independent power, which must

in tho end involve tho wholo In confunlon nnd antagonism. Let u» hope that Iho statesman iwho cntortilna ouch view** as thoso expressed by Mr Fox will assume tho head of ailaln) and endeavour to rostoro strength to the pro* vlncon to enable thoin to fulfil tho objects for whioh thoy woro created, and thon, and not till then, by open atralghtforward legislation, not hy innidiqni) political craft, stand gontly by their bier, and Inaugurate n consolidated government for tho colony. Your obedient servant, ARGUS.