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Auckland Star, Volume I, Issue 248, 25 October 1870, Page 2

In another column we publish a letter, courteously and kindly written to us by Mr. Williamson, with reference to an article in yesterday's issue respecting that gentleman's candidature. If such a style pervaded political discussion generally political life would be a much pieasanter thing than it usually is. ;-.»

"We are sure Mr. Williamson correctly states that his acceptance of an office of profit under the Crown was " not understood by him to involve a retirement from public life;" and we should be sorry to insinuate that the indignity had been committed by the Government of " offering it on any such condition," any more than we should suspect that Mr. Williamson's spirit would accept it on such terms. But in that gentleman's accepting a situation having the character of substantiality and permanence in its appearance, and which pi-dudes the holder from taking a seat in the new House of Representatives, there was certainly that which conveyed the impression that Mr. "Williamson would not, in .he short space of a few months, burst its. disabilities, and take his placeagaArl in the arena of politics. We still think that " It was generally understood when he received from his country a reward for good service done, in the shape of a comfortable provision, that his acceptance of it was a'retirement from public life." With reference to the effect on the minds of his constituent -of Mr. Williamson's acceptance of office, that circumstance in itself could not possibly shake the confidence long'reposed in him ; and on his resignation of office he is .as eligible in the ,eye of. the law as he is deserving of the confidence of his constituents in taking his place in the House. But herein consis-S the hardship of the case. Mr. Williamson cannot even stand -for election while he holds his office ; his election is ipso facto void ; and the first step which; that.gentleman, must tate before being legally nominated is, voluntarily to strip himself of the rewards which he has honorably won in services to the country. His friends, we think, should not advise him to this. He has notr*all that he deserves, while others, who have no claim on popular gratitude, have received some of the highest prizes. There is nothing, as we well know, to " prevent his retirement at any time from an office 5 which is only held during the Governor's pleasure, and not for life ;" but we put it to the best friends of Mr. Williamson, will they urge him to fling up this appointment to serve their own ends, and leave him then to set sail afresh on the stormy sea of politics dependent on ministerial smiles and favors.

Meetings of Land Societies Nos. 6 and 7 are advertised to be held at Mr. Batger's office to-morrow evening, to receive accounts and balance-sheet.

We understand that Mr. John Sheehan has been asked to ailow himself to be nominated for the representation of Rodney, and that very favorable feelings to his candidature are experienced in'that district. _, It will afford gratification to many to learn that a movement is afoot to place- Mr. Yon der Heyde in nomination for Parnell. A meeting of his intending supporters will be held at Parnell Hall on Thursday evening.

Eor the East Coast district, in prospect of the approaching election, there are coming to the front all the " maimed, and the halt, and the lame, ami the blind;" but there are two in the field for that district, between whom the contest will probably be —Mr. W. Kelly, who has got a requisition bearing 120 signatures, and Mr. Chadwick, who is on the eve of declaring himself. Both are respected in the district.

We understand that a movement is on foot amongst the electors of Parnell to induce Mr. Yon Der Heyde to come forward to represent that district in the next Parliament, and that with that view a meeting will be held at Mr. Hale's, at 7 p.m.- on Thursday, boiling-down establishment are requested to meet at the British Hotel on Saturday afternoon next.

The last of the series of musical acd literary entertainments in connection with all Saints' Church will take place on the evening of Friday, October 28th. Charles Alexander Robertson, of Shortland, has become insolvent. —Francis Forceau intends to apply," on the 27th instant, for the complete execution of a certain deed of assignment. —A deed of composition, for the benefit of Charles Bur^e Edwards, has been filed in the Supreme Court.—A meeting of the creditors of John Leydon is convened for the 31st inst.