Mr Bastings on Mr Macandrew.

Cromwell Argus, Volume IV, Issue 191, 8 July 1873, Page 7

Mr Bastings on Mr Macandrew.

While addressing the people of Tuapeka during the recent electioneering campaign, Mr Bastings is reported to have said;—“ You know I opposed Mr Macandrew’s last election, and I did so then on good and sufficient public grounds, having reference to the reissuing of the leases to the pastoral tenants. I thought that his action was wrong, and think so still; but because I then did, and do still differ on that subject, is no reason why I am to be prevented from supporting him now, when I think he is acting right. I had hardly ever exchanged a word with Mr Macandrew until I joined the present Government; and since that acquaintance was formed, I am fi'ee to confess I have found him to possess but one desire, viz., to forward the interests of this province, and enhance the prosperity of its people. It is men like the Superintendent that make towns, countries, and nations. What have the Reids, Thomsons, Gillieses, Hendersons, and so on done for this or any other Province that they should endeavour to malign Mr Macandrew or any who act with him 1 They may depend upon this, that long after they are forgotten, the name of James Macandrew will be remembered and recorded in the pages of history as one who devoted his great energies and abilities, not for the interests of self and family, but as the pioneer and founder of a prosperous nation. What nobler aspirations can stimulate the actions of any man I I believe, on my honour, that these are the sentiments, and this the glorious and laudable ambition that actuates James Macandrew in endeavouring to make this province and this colony the Britain of the South.”