The Dunstan Times. FRIDAY, AUGUST 11, 1876.

Dunstan Times, Issue 747, 11 August 1876, Page 2

The Dunstan Times.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 11, 1876.

Beneath the. rule of men kntirkly just the pkn is miqutier than the sword.

The electors of the Dunstan District must feel grateful to the Dunedin Guardian for the deep interest that journal rtisplays in their member Vincent Pyke. . In its leading article of the 4th instant, after quoting passages from Mr Fyke’s election speeches, with respect to his views in favor ot insular separation, says—“ The Dunstan electors are strong Separationists; and what will be said if their member, after such plainly expressed convictions, will be found with those who vote for being controlled from Wellington. If such should occur, truly there will be an odium attaching to the genus ‘ Goldfields Member ’ That men entrusted with the franchise should be so thoroughly duped, and tamely submit to be deceived is hardly credible. The ensuing week will put Mr Pyke to the test, will put him on his trial, and by his vote the verdict will be returned as to whether he obtained his seat by wilfully misleading his district in regard to his opinion, or whether he can claim the reputation of common honor and honesty by voting according to Lis solemn public declared promises.” In another article, on the Sth inst„ the same paper says—“ For one moment to suppose that Mr Pyke would act iu any way approaching to this conduct requires more than surmise or rumor to give it credence. M r Pyke, as a magistrate, occupies a prominent position on the Police Bench of this city. On almost every occasion he sits there ; instances come under his notice of attempts to evade the truth, and with his known uprightness of character, he either advises to tell the truth without fear of consequences, or cautions, if falsehood is testified, condign punishment will follow. What he inculcates so quietly in the one case, and so sternly in the other, must be exemplified by himself in all his public actions open to the scrutiny of his fellows; and if the report of his creed be true—* that he was a Federalist, or Insular Separaticnist for the past fourteen years; that Separation was the only means by which the Island could get justice ’— then his vote will certainly be given in favor of his creed, and not to belie it All who know Mr Pyke in his every relation of life can testify to his truthfulness, constancy, and devotion to his principles, as he firmly believes them to be for the best interests of his adopted country ’’ Wow, as it is only the barest possible rumor that Mr Pyke is going to desert his colors, and join issue with the enemy of the Guardian, we cannot but think our contemporary has been battling witli a shadow, of its own raising. We place no credence in the rumor, and do not suppose for one moment that Mr Pyke will depart from “his professed creed of fourteen years’ standing,” or break the pledges he made at the time of the election. Possessing the confidence of fully two-thirds of the voters Mr Pyke was elected, and to their their tender mercies we will, and the Guardian will do well to leave him.