The Westport Times AND CHARLESTON ARGUS. THURSDAY, JULY 16, 1868.

Westport Times, Volume II, Issue 299, 16 July 1868, Page 2

The Westport Times AND CHARLESTON ARGUS. THURSDAY, JULY 16, 1868.

The impending struggle in the House of Assembly, in reference to the maintenance or destruction of Provincialism, will have several new features imported into it that could scarcely have been calculated on by the ultra supporters of either side. On the one hand the existing administration, under the leadership of Mr Stafford, have declared open war on Provincial institutions as at present iu force, whilst on the other, on the principle of extremes meeting, we presume, the Otago and Auckland members as a whole are fully impressed with the value of Provincial powers as now exercised, and will fight to the last gasp in supporting them as they now stand. That either party will obtain a decided victory is scarcely possible, but that Provincial power will be centred in the hands of Provincial executives, as hitherto has been the case, is altogether unlikely. Irrespective of the two sections referred to, there is a third party that will, without doubt, have the decision in their own hands, and yet they possess neither a numerical majority nor half the oratorical power that is ranged on either of the ultra sides. These are men, who, whilst agreeing with the principle contained in provincialism, as far as local self-government goes, are dissatisfied with its development in the present shape, and would support any measure having for its object more general distribution of power, without sanctioning the total abolition of provincial institutions. This class really hold the scales in their own hands, and, without doubt, if they prove true to their trust will be the most really useful portion of the Assembly. In the opinion of a large number of persons, the time has arrived for the abolition of mock parliaments and mock executives, in the shape of Provincial Councils and Provincial Governments, and we conscientiously believe that one strong General Government is absolutely requisite to the progress and well being of New Zealand. At the same time we should be sorry to be misunderstood as urging the desirability of all provincial institutions being swept away, till every district in New Zealand has been provided with full powers of local government, as far as public works and other questions of a purely local nature were concerned. Before any curtailment of general provincial powers can possibly be agreed to, some satisfactory substitute must be supplied that will extend local authority. This being done in a reasonable manner, few, excepting those bound by ties of interest, would be sorry to see the sceptre fall from the grasp of many Provincial Executives who now wield it. That such radical changes, as to many appear necessary, will be effected in this session is scarcely possible, but that great changes will be made can scarcely be doubted. What they will be remains to be seen. From the existence however, of a comparatively neutral party there is every reason to apprehend the best possible results. In the first place the provincialists at any price will never be able to secure these votes to carry out their extreme views, and will therefore be prepared to moderate their tone, and thereby obtain a chance of at least some casual support. On the other hand the autocratic side of the House will be equally unable to successfully procure their adhesion, and they too. will have to give way in order to obtain either the semblance or the substance of victory. The independent section, for so they may be called, will thus to a certain degree be able to dictate terms to both parties, and from either they may get what will at least satisfy their constituents for the present. The newly added members from the West Coast will belong, without doubt, to this brigade, and from their accession to the Assembly, we have every reason to augur the best results. Whichever party -wins, they will [only do so by making great concessions that cannot be attended with other than good to the country districts generally, and the West Coast goldfields more particularly. For the present it is almost idle to speculate on what those concessions may be, but one thing is certain,

liiitt, by some means or other, it has become u matter of necessity that self government should be largely increased. Whether this is given by one or the other is a matter of the mo.st perfect indifference so long as it is given, but that great alterations in this direction must be inaugurated without delay, must be apparent to every one who has even partially studied the political events of the present clay.