The Akaroa Mail. TUESDAY, JANUARY 30, 1883. OUR REPRESENTATION ON THE LYTTELTON HARBOR BOARD.

Akaroa Mail and Banks Peninsula Advertiser, Volume VII, Issue 683, 30 January 1883, Page 2

The Akaroa Mail. TUESDAY, JANUARY 30, 1883. OUR REPRESENTATION ON THE LYTTELTON HARBOR BOARD.

•It is a satisfaction to see a little political life stirring with regard to our representation on the Lyttelton Harbor Board, as it shows that there are β-mie who recognise the importance conferr d on them by representing us on that body. VV"e • hear of three candidates already in the field, and have official notice in our advertising colunns that two, at least, are willing to contest the seat. The first of these is Mr W. B. Toss will, who has been asked b> , a considerable section of the residents in the vicinity of the Harbor to represent them. He is thoroughly acquainted with the special advantages we possess, aim is constantly amongst us, which, in our opinion, is no little advantage, .as he will consequently be in possession of our views on any question likely to arise. Besides, he is no tyro in political rnattters, having taken a prominent position in the old Provincial Council. He would be a straightforward, earnest, advocate for anything to the advantage of Akaroa, and no doubt will receive the support of some of those who desire to see the development of the utility of our Harbor. Mr E.G. Latter aleo offers himself

for a member, and he is one whose candidature is cert inly worthy of consideration. . Although at present a resident in Christchurch, the whole of his interest is in this district, and we believe he sincerely desires its advancement. Had he been living here,,he would.have undoubtedly baen supported by many, but he labors under a great disadvantage through being at present a non-resident. Nevertheless, he has done good service to Akaroa in the past, and, as we before said, has great personal interest in the advancement of the Peninsula. Of the other candidate we have heard spoken of, we have little to say. No doubt it would be an honor to any constituency to return such au exeeedr ingly able man as Mr Coster, but really his seeking to represent Akaroa, a district where he is entirely unknown except, by report, appears to us to be a joke. W hat can there b; in common between Mr Coster and Akaroa, we should like to know? We have never heard of him in connection with this district, and he appears to us to have recollected that there, was such, a place I for the'first, time when he wanted to represent the New Zealand Shipping Company on the Lyttelton Board. It is reported that certain members of the ! Council have actually pledged their votes j to him without consulting their fellow Councillors, but no doubt this is entirely untrue, for we can never believe that persons? holding such responsible positions would lightly promise their votes to a pure outsider, without ascertaining if anyone residing in the place had any rdpsire to represent it;. .< In our minds there is little doubt that the Council will exercise their vote wisely by electing, some one who has cognisance of the wants of Akaroa. It may seem at the moment of little im portanue who is elected, but we must remember' th.at the gentbman elected, will hold the seat for two years, and what may not happen in'such, a space of time? ■ • : ;' ■* " It will indeed be a disgrace for Akaroa if amongst all her five thousand inhabitants one cannot bs found .fitting to advocate her interests on the Lyttelton Harbor Board, so that she will have to leave them to f> c mercy of strangers, totally unacquainted with her wants. Surely there aro plenty of good men to be found within our boundary? Men capable of acting wisely, should an emergency arise. The matter is a most vital one, and we commend it to. the earnest' study of the members of the .County, Council, whose duty it clearly is to elect' a local representative. Leaving out entirely the present candidates) there.'are' members of that Council well fitted for the post, but ii would be a great mistake for too many to come forward, and so to split the votes as to allow of an outsider creeping in. We hope therefore they will communicate with each other and decide on some definite coursebefore the meeting takes place on Febluary 12th.