iw^eha .fees AND GOIOFIELOB REPOKTER AND ADVERTISER. WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 1881. " MEASURES, NOT V.feM."

Tuapeka Times, Volume XIV, Issue 713, 23 February 1881, Page 2

Tuapeka Times AND GOLDFIELDS REPORTER AND ADVERTISER. WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 1881. " MEASURES, NOT MEN

So large a proportion of^ne population of Otago is resident in and about Dunedin, that the fact of the three daily papers published in the city, having devoted themselves to the anti-Liberal cause, is almost to be regarded as a political misfortune. We are delighted therefore; to note that "the "Otago I)aily Times", is apparently to see the error of its way's, and is preparing for a new departure. On Wednesday last, the, leading, article of that journal took the Premier severely to task for postponing his usual address to his constituents until the eve of the meeting of Parliament. It is further pretty plainly insinuated that Ministers have good reason for their remarkable reticence during the current recess, and that they entirely merit the upopularity in which they are undoubtedly held by the majority of the people. We have been for some time much exercised in mind to understand how these journals, supported by constituencies notoriously democratic in their principles, can have continued so long entirely to misapprehend public opinion, and go in " b Aid headed " for the effete Conservatism, which finds such fitting exponents in Mr Hall and Mr Rolleston. However, as we have said, there is a sign of better things, and we may 1 now hope to see both sides of the political questions of the day advocated in the Dunedin daily Press. With regard to the ominous, or at least remarkably dubious silence of Ministers, which has at length stirred up the bile of the " Otago Daily Times," we do not think there is much or any reason to feel surprise. Only very weakminded people care to prattle about their own peccadillos and shortcomings, and regale their friends with unpleasant reminiscences. Ministers are in this position, having in truth nothing to say that can be agreeable to themselves, or is at all likely to be satisfactory to the country. The Premier would

hardly care to relate the true history of the retirement of Mr Bryce, justly indignant at the vacillation of his colleagues, from the Cabinet ; nor would it be politic to state in what a dismal muddle Mr Rolleston and Sir William Fox between them have already plunged Native affairs. The telegraph reports that on the recent day fixed for the sale of the very choicest portion of the confiscated territory, there was not a bid for a single section. This is a most significant fact, contrasted with the previous sale only a few weeks ago, when all the land offered was disposed of at* high figures. The cause, however, is plain enough. Mr Bryce is no longer administrating Native affairs, and following put the lines of his predecessor, whilst the character of Mr Rolleston is well-known —so wellknown, that little hopes are entertained of the settlement af existing difficulties by his weak and unstable hands. In respect to public works, and especially the management of the constructed railways, what, again, could Mr Hall tell the Colonists? Could the honorable gentleman be reasonably expected to unfold the conspicuous failure of the Minister at the head of the department, who conceives it to be his principal function to play the big man, and snub deputations; and whose petty economies have made the Government ridiculous in the eyes of the Service and the public ? The only trump card we can conceive possible for the Premier to play, might be Mr Dick, who really had a mission, and succeeded in doing exactly what he was sent for, and in which his competency was undoubted, viz., nothing. The Intercolonial Con. ference ended in — so far, as all really important business is concerned — useless disputations; the members had what the Americans call a "buUy time" of it, and New Zealand will have the felicity of paying the expenses of the Colonial Secretary's nice little trip to Sydney. Mr Hall represents Selwyn, and would certainly be able to tell the electors of that comfortable pocket Borough how much the Ministers had done and were anxious to do for the Canterbury landholders and squatters, but this would hardly be judicious just now, and it is wise also that he should not prematurely disclose the various little games in connection with land in the north, which it is currently believed in well-informed circles are seriously occupying the mind of the Honorable Mr Whitaker, a gentleman of undoubted ability. It is better not to risk shaking the jug until the cream is formed. Those individuals must be specifically sanguine of temperament who expect for a moment that the Premier or any of his colleagues are likely to commit themselves upon any question of future policy before Parliament meets. The Conservative party are far too cunning to make such a mistake as this. They will wait until they see how the wind ia blowing before launching their balloon. We candidly believe that no distinct idea of a policy has yet even been sketched out. Having appropriated and worked up all the ideas of the late Cabinet, they are now hard put to it for something new, and hope, perhaps, that the leading members of the Opposition may yet during the recess leave some more loose suits about, in which they may vest themselves. Sincerely as it is to be hoped that neither Sir George Grey nor any of bis friends will give them the chance, but that Mr Hall and his colleagues may be (orc&d. to evolve some policy or other out of their own intelligence, nothing very material is likely to be the. result !

Mb James Hbhdzbsov. Tuapeka County Ranger, has been appointed * nuiger of Crown laede is* Qtego _&b?t»