Wellington Independent. SATURDAY, 20th OCTOBER. POLITICAL FEELING IN THE SOUTH.

Wellington Independent, Volume XXI, Issue 2430, 20 October 1866, Page 4

Wellington Independent.

SATURDAY, 20th OCTOBER. POLITICAL FEELING IN THE SOUTH.

"nothiho kxtknuatk; sor Bkt down auobt in kamck."

It is perfectly evident from the opinions expressed by the Southern journals, which we have quoted elsewhere, that the struggle between the colonial party and the nltra-provincialists, has become ofthe % most determined character. Dr. Eeatherston's speech, on. which we so fully commented the other day, has apparently been the signal to arouse both parties to action. Centralists and provincialists are now alike on the alert, and in tho articles which our Southern files contain, the question at issue is completely arguedin all its bearinga. As might have been expected, the Southern organs of the Separation cause, are ready to accept an extension of provincial powers,asa step which brings them nearer to the attainment of Separation. The Lyttelton Times thinks that Dr. Eeatherston's scheme of giving all power to the provinces, and making the General Government a machine for collecting the revenue for the Provincial Governments to spend, is the best alternative the Sonth can hope to obtain, while the Otago Daily Times asserts, that the only constitutional form of^Goyernmeut, is one in which the provinces would be paramount. Now we are not aware what number of the AVellington members endorse those views, but this much is perfectly clear ; that while some of these gentlemen may support ultraprovincialism under the impression that it affords the only possible way of satisfying Auckland and Otago, the members representing these provinces who are nearly all pledged to Separation, would only accept Dr. Eeatherston's proposals aa a temporary compromise and soon again agitate for Separation. " Half a loaf is better than no bread," is the adage on which their philosophy is based.

They want Separation, but will not object in the meantime to let each province of the colony become practically au independent State, knowing that such a plan would pave the way forthe adoption of their own scheme. Dr. Featherston allies ' himself with this party, thinking that they will be satisfied with the concession of increased powers to the Provincial Governments, and that when these are given the Separation agitation will | die out, but it is to be feared that tins anticipation will not be realised. The Northern and Southern members don't care two straws for the unity of tho colony, and their friendship is very dangerous to any "Wellington member, whom they would drag much further than he proposed to go. Dr. Featherston's proposals are .shly a temporary remedy for a chronic evil, and would, if adopted, serve no other purpose than that of helping our political enemies to the attainment of the object they have in view. If all parties to the alliance were resolved to maintain the unity of the colony, then the provincial scheme might possibly satisfy the South for a time; but as the case stands, its chief supporters desire separation. The real remedy for the existing state of affairs lies in the organization of the colonial party. If they combine together and fight their battle out bravely, then the unity of the colony may still be preserved, and a real colonial policy adopted. It is not surprising that Auckland and Dunedin — we speak of the cities — should be eagerto retain every particle of power which they possess, and therefore we find our Auckland and Southern contemporaries approving a scheme which will benefit the mercantile interest of their towns. But for all that, we think j that next Session ofthe Assembly a strong j party will be found prepared to resist any further increase of provincial powers, while quite ready to secure to the provinces their • land revenue. If tlie Government scheme for creating municipalities be carefully framed, the representatives ofthe country constituencies will almost to a man vote for it, mainly, because it will probably secure to each country district a fair share of the land revenue gained 'from it. We shall watch with no little interest the pros gross of the political agitation which has commenced in the South, where a provincial association has already been formed to resist the policy of the General Government. This affords us an admirable example of what should be done here at once. A colonial association is required to agitate in favor of such views as those which we have expressed, and to support tho Government in carrying out the policy to which they are pledged.