The Daily Times. The oldest Manawatu journal: Established 1875. MONDAY, MARCH 10, 1884. POLITICAL ASSOCIATIONS.

Manawatu Times, Volume X, Issue 1196, 10 March 1884, Page 2

The Daily Times. The oldest Manawatu journal: Established 1875. MONDAY, MARCH 10, 1884. POLITICAL ASSOCIATIONS.

-♦ The Otago people are taking a wise step m forming a Constitutional association on the lines set out m the Punedin telegram which appears m another column. The principal objects of the association appear to be to educate public op'nion, particularly as to economy m administration, and to secure a separate Government for each island, with a federal Government for the colony. With the first part of the programme, a keen scrutiny of public expenditure, we have every sympathy. With the last part, that relating to the creation of two insular Governments, we have no sympathy, as tending to bring about the division of the colony. However, we do not intend just now to go into the general questions involved, but merely to commend the action oi the Otago people m forming such an association. If the political element is kept m subjection, and tlie associ* ation is not allowed to become a means of aspirants to Parliament " working" seats ? it may be made the means of doing a great deal of good. That, however, is the rock whicH we fear is ahead of the Otago Association. We should io glad to see such an Association

formed on this Coast, to embrace Manawatu, Oroua, Rangitikei, and Wanganui districts as far as Patea. It might be the means of doing a great deal of good, m educating public opinion on this Coast, and would certainly materially assist this part of IN'ew Zealand m iusisfcing on the central railway route being selected m preference to the Coast line via Mokau.