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It will, no doubt, be obvious that the land revenue is the only source out of which provision can be made, not only for the completion of contracts already authorised by you, but for numerous other necessary works in all parts of the Province. Under these circumstances I need not say that the recent action of the Waste Lands Board has placed matters in an exceedingly awkward position, and has compelled the Executive Government to curtail operations in every direction. Practically the whole policy of the country is controlled by an irresponsible Board, which can set at defiance the decisions of the representatives of the people. Such, I am persuaded, was never the intention of the Legislature when it altered the constitution of the Board, although it was pointed out by myself and others at the time, as a possible result of that alteration.

Constitutional Changes

Gentlemen, I do not know that I need say more. I would only express an earnest hope that in dealing with the question of Constitutional changes the new Parliament may bring to bear upon the subject a judicial spirit—that spirit of fairness, prudence, and temperate argument, the absence of which was so conspicuous in the reckless action of the late Parliament.

The Provincial Council, which means the people of Otago, has done much in the past—though very much still requires to be done—yet under its enlightened sway this fair Province, which yesterday was but a wilderness—for the most part an inaccessible wilderness—over a prosperous and thriving population, thousands of comfortable homesteads abounding with peace and plenty, and is intersected with roads, bridges, schools and other public institutions, which in many countries have been the growth of centuries. In fact it exhibits the spectacle of a “Nation born in a day.”

Can it be that the institution under which all this has arisen—that system of local self-government which has accomplished so much—which in the heroic work of colonisation has borne the heat and burden of the day, is to be suddenly swept away—not by the sovereign fiat of the people, but by that of some mysterious power and influence at Wellington?

In a country with representative institutions a political revolution, which not only does not emanate from the people, but is resented by them, is the greatest possible anomaly, and cannot but result in disaster.

What would be thought of Congress were it to abolish the States of America without consulting the several States, and they themselves dissenting? The very idea is preposterous; and yet this is precisely what is sought to be done in the case of Otago.

It is not necessary that I should enlarge on the political position of parties in New Zealand. As Superintendent of Otago, I have had a long correspondence with the Premier, and I forward to you copies of the various communications that have passed between us.

In conclusion, permit me to say one word personal to myself: In adopting the political action to which, under a sense of public duty and regard for the interests of the Province, I have been impelled—mercenary motives have been basely attributed to me by those who it may be presumed are themselves incapable of being actuated by any other or higher principles of action. All I would say is: that it only shows how weak is the cause which must needs have recourse to arguments so contemptible—arguments which might be equally as well applied to the action of every public man, central or anti-central. In common with those to whom I have been longest known, such a charge is regarded by me with disdain.

I have the honor to be
Gentlemen,
Your most obedient servant,

J. MACANDREW,
Superintendent of Otago.

Dunedin, June 10, 1876.