THE RANGITATA ELECTION.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume V, Issue 1607, 12 July 1887, Page 2

THE RANGITATA ELECTION.

We understand that the election Campaign so far as this district is concerned will be opened by an address to the electors of Rangitata, to be given by the Hon D. Rolleston m tbe Oddfellows' Hall, Ashburton, on the evening of Thursday week, the aist inst, to be followed by addresses at Jlakaia, on the 22nd, and at other centres of population at dates to be announced. This will set the ball rolling, and thenceforward to the date of the election there will be plenty of matter for the electors to talk, and let us hope to think about. Mr Ivess makes no sign, and rumor has it that he has made up his mind not to stand for Rangitata. If this is incorrect, and he really means to enter the field, the Sooner he malfPK a myvc me Ucit,ci *»&, otherwise he will throw away any chance he may have had of election. Failing Mr Ivess, we do not hear of any other candidate, unless Mr Purnell should choose to try conclusions with the late member for Geraldine. It is therefore apparently quite on the cards that Mr Rolleston may have a walkover, and if, as seems highly probable, Mr Walker's seat for Ashburton is unchallenged, we shall escape the excitement of polls m both town and country. Whether that be so Or not, we understand that Mr Rolteston will speak throughout the district just as though he were fighting a contested election, and he will doubtless have a great deal to say that will be well worth hearing. From his political views m various respects no doubt a large num-» berof the electors will dissent, but they will gain a good deal by hearing what can be said^ 'per contra to their opinions; and whether or not they agree with him we know enough of audiences through- | out this part of the district at anyrate to be quite certain that a courteous bearing will be given to all that the candidate will have to say.— We ourselves are not supporters of the political party with which Mr Rolleston is identified, but we freely admit that the honorable gentleman has done the j country good service, especially m con- ! nection with the departments of Land and Education; ; and. further, that while m opposition his conduct generally has been thoroughly constitutional and his manner towardshis opponents manly and courteous. More, we recognise that it would never do to have a Parliament representing only one set of political opinions, and that men of tho calibre of Mr Rolleston can scarcely be spared from the House. He is fairly entitled to a seat, and if, as seems highly probable, he is for the next Parliament to sit for Rangitata it is certaiu that the electors will have as their member a gentleman whom they may safely trust to look after local matters faithfully and well, and to reflect honor upon the constituency by the uprightness of his political conduct. -