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The Pamphlet Collection of Sir Robert Stout: Volume 77

III. — Introductory

page 10

III.

Introductory.

Any ordinary reader on perusal will readily see these notes have not been arranged with critical accuracy as to order of occurrence, nor with any desire to extenuate, conceal. or condone anything which may appear to have been a flagrant abuse of privilege, a hidden motive or an offence against propriety. The historic facts are related, "impugn them who so lists." It is also fair to state the authorities from which they have been gathered often were betrayed into the use of unseemly language not justified by the re-quirements of the case, and the frequent repetition of the epithet "Enemy," referring to an opponent, tended rather to irritate than conciliate.

From the lofty editorial chairs down to the occupants of the meanest correspondence stools, jargon and slang were freely branded on individuals, oft times with particular minuteness, so that no mistake could be made as to the person indicated; and not only so, but frequently within the ranks of the little coteries themselves., violent ebullition of temper would be displayed on matters of even secondary importance, threatening, and often effecting, complete disruption. It was a period of disquiet and unrest among the "leading lights." and the reason why is not difficult to discover. There were no distinct party lines drawn with acknowledged trusted leaders; no cohesion existed in the dominating cliques. Each one thought himself the better man of the two, and would not give in—rather revolt than submit. It is always the case where no regularly organised parties exist: chaos reigns, developing indifference or complete somnolency

Let it not for a moment be supposed the foregoing remarks are applicable to the whole community. The majority were a frugal, industrious, intelligent body, intent on their own particular affairs, keeping, however, a watchful eye on what was taking place around them; laughing heartily at the futile attempts of the esteemed giant pigmies, who, for a trifling consideration, and in the shortest time, would undertake to turn the world upside down and establish a new order of things. These charges are not levelled indiscriminately against the whole of the page 11 prominent actors on the scene, for among them were men of highest worth, who placed the settlement under deepest obligation. Only to brawling boasters do they refer.

It cannot be said the Government of the day did anything to soothe the perturbed feeling existing. Contrariwise, they seemed desirous of fomenting strife, and raising antagonism by their actions. Unnecessary expense and badly-selected appointments were made, unpalatable institutions attempted to be foisted on the people, claims for legitimate expenditure refused or grudgingly granted in part, and when just and equitable rights were bestowed, long delays on merely technical excuses, took place before these rights were so arranged as to be brought into practical operation. The neighbouring settlements—Wellington in particular—joined in the frivolity of trying to make fun of what they considered the impotent efforts of Otago to make her existence felt and acknowledged. A few short years turned the laugh in another direction.