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Star (Christchurch), Issue 103, 11 September 1868, Page 2

Ijj another column our readers vrillfiud a telegraphic summary of the Opposition policy, as declared by Mr Eox in ibe House of Representative* on Wednesday night. It may not be out «>f place if we . endeavour to point out its more salient features. In the first place, Mr Fox proposes io give a capitation graut of" thirty shillings to the provinces, leaving them to bear the burden of their loans. In 6he case of Canterbury, this grant

would amount to about £60,000 a-year, and the interest and sinking fund on our loans is or will be about £55,000. But the information on thia part of Mr Fox'b proposals is hardly so full as to justify comment. As we read the telegram, Mr Fox proposes to abolish the Defence and Native departments, and to introduce into the Cabinet a Secretary for the provinces. It would seem that the special dutj of thia officer would be to travel about the colony during the recess, in order to make himself fully acquainted with the capabilities and requirements of each province, that he would endeavour to produce unity of action, as far as possible, and that he would try to smooth over jealousies and bitterness between the several provinces. This sounds very well, and much good work might be accomplished by such an officer. Mr Fox's Native policy is decided enough, if it is not altogether palatable. It may -be fairly said that he has adopted the Canterbury plau of making each North Island province responsible for the Natives within its borders. To the demand of the South — that some definite limit should be fixed for our liability on account of the Natives — Mr Fox asks for £425,000, the payment of which would be spread over a period of five years. During each of the first two years he asks for £100,000 ; and during each of the three years 3uceediug lor £75,000, for Native and Defence purposes. This sum would be taken out of the consolidated revenue, and would be handed over to the North Island provinces in certain proportions. For its share each province would have to uuderfcake all responsibility on account of the Natives ia its bounds, and if it saved anything out of the allowance, permission is given to expend this on public works requiring native labour. The Middle Island contribution to this sum of £425,000 would probably be about £300,000, or at the rate of £60,000 a year. We presume the Southern members have agreed to this proposal. About local self-government, Mr Fox ia equally plain. He will grant it to agricultural and mining districts in and through the Provincial Councils, but not; over them. If any province is lax in attending to the wauts of its outlying districts, then the General Government will step in. This is precisely what might have been expected from Mr FoxA reduction in taxation, however small, ought, he says, to be attempted by the Government, if only to shew its determination in this direction. He thinks a small reduction possible. The public will regard this part of the scheme with favour, and also Mr Fox's declaration about borrowing. It appears to us that the chief difference between the policy of the Government and the policy of the Opposition lies iv the distinctness and certainty of the latter. Mr Fox does not leave us in doubt on any one point. Mr Stafford will not say definitely what he intends to do.