ROXBURGH.

Dunstan Times, Issue 717, 14 January 1876, Page 3

ROXBURGH.

January 12, 1876. Since Mr G Ireland has come into the field against Messrs Bastings and Mervyn for the Waikaia district, a little more interest is thrown into the election, as that gentleman’s friends and supporters are exerting themselves to secure his return. Mr Mervyn will no doubt have some supporters, hut I doubt very much if he will he close up at tho finish. Mr Bastings will have a large number of supporters, and should he returned, even those who are opposed to him will have the satisfaction of knowing that «>o have a good representative. Mr Ireland stands on tho Provincial ticket, that is, in a modified form. At his meeting held here on Saturday last there was a large attendance. After stating his views on the leading topics of the day, he was severely questioned as to his conduct in the late Provincial Council. However, at the close, a vote was passed that he was a fit and proper person to represent the district in the General Assembly by a large majority. His best friends and supporters perhaps cannot always endorse his views. He is a man who acts strictly according to h : s conscience, but whether that is a right course, as far as a representative is concerned, is a matter for casuists to determine; still, he has gained ground within the last few days, and although I do not expect to see him at the head of the poll, yet he will not be a long way behind. At last something has been done with regard to the reservoir at the head of the Teviot stream. Mr M‘Kay, the surveyor, has been out taking levels, and we hope shortly to hear of its being started. The weather is fine and the river falling fast. Although the holidays are over, yet the election is keeping our minds unsettled, and I cannot say that all are working so steadily at their various occupations as they will do in the course of a few days when all the excitement is over. Harvesting has commenced in parts of the district, and the crops are exceedingly good.