2ndly. The bump of destructiveness is always largely developed on the crania of young legislators, and as the desire of de struction increases with its gratification, I think it was the act of a wise statesman to remove the temptation as far as possible from us.
And I do not see that we are in any way prejudiced by it. Sir G. Grey's act is not unalterable, and be its merits or demerits what they may, it is at least not open to the objection brought against home legislation, it is the work of a man who, at all events, knows what he is talking about, and the ge neral success which has attended his go vernment under circumstances of no com mon difficulty should secure for his opinions a respectful attention. ....
The Colonists of Otago and Canterbury are peculiarly fortunate, inasmuch as during the time that must elapse ere the measure can be introduced amongst them, they will be able to see how its works in the other settlements of New Zealand, and suggest any modifications they may think it requires to suit their peculiar circumstances. I do not pretend to discuss the merits of the Act, there will be plenty of time to do that. But there is one question I have heard mooted that immediately concerns us. I mean, whether in case the price of land in Canterbury be lowered from £3 per acre, the original land-purchasers will have a right to compensation from government.
