THE DISSOLUTION.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XII, Issue 9, 20 June 1884, Page 15

THE DIS SOLUTION.

A.D the Ministry been defeated in the course of the session and after having carried some measures, we could understand their action and that of the Governor in reference to the dissolution. But under the circumstances the conduct of both is unintelligible, except on the supposition that the Ministry is determined to stick to office as well through dishonour as honour, and that in consequence of some misapprehension as to public opinion the Governor has. permitted himself to do that which in reality helps the Government to prolong an existence that should haye been terminated days ago. In reality we are well pleased to see a considerable number of our representatives relegated to the tender mercies of their constituents. But this does not blind us to the inconveniences of the serious and not very creditable situation in which Parliament is now placed. When Ministers found that a considerable majority stated in the reply to the Speech from the Throne that His Excellency's Government had not the confidence of Parliament, it was the imperative duty of the Ministry to have resigned at once and unconditionally, and thus afforded the Governor an opportunity of calling other advisers to his councils. And had Ministers done this they would have stood a better chance of success during the forthcoming elections. Now, however, if we are not very grievously mistaken, the chance of carrying a large number of the constituencies is very small indeed. People are generally impressed with the idea that Ministers are prepared to cling with desperation to the emoluments of office, and also prepared to do anything that will conduce to that end. This impression will tell seriously against Ministers, and afford a powerful argument to their opponents. Whilst, therefore, according to our views, SI misters have advised the Governor to do that which is unwise, and we think unconstitutional, they have adopted the very course which is best calculated to defeat themselves. It is to be regretted the Governor did not act upon the statement in the reply to his speech, and at once call other advisers to his councils. The country, we think, will resent the policy that imposes upon it an unnecessary expense of L 40,000 for no other purpose, that they can see, than to prolong the existence of a Ministry that the House of .Representatives has by a considerable majority declared does not possess its confidence. In this fight, however, for place we have no concern. Both parties as such are our enemies, although each contains many members who would most willingly do us justice in the most important matter of education. Our view of the situation, is, jfcherefore, disinterested and dispassionate, and what we have said has not been dictated by prepossession in favour of anyparty. In fact we are quite indifferent to all , existing political parties. Catholics have now an opportunity of striking a telling jblow for justice and fairplay. In many constituencies they are numerous, and there it would be unwise perhaps fatal to despise them, but great caution and tact will be required on their part. We would venture to advise them to tell no man low they are going to vote, to say all that truth will sanction, In praise of all candidates, but at the polling booth to be sure jo to record their votes as to punish an enemy quite irrespective of all merely political and personal considerations. Poliiically one party is just as desirable as another, but it is all-important to mark their disapprobation of men who are resolved to compel them to pay for the free and godless education of other people's children.