THE WAIKOUAITI ELECTION.

Evening Star, Issue 3782, 8 April 1875, Page 2

THE WAIKOUAITI ELECTION.

Notwithstanding that the writ for a new election has not yet reached the district, electioneering matters at Waikouaiti are looking quite lively, and (says the ‘ Herald ’) considerable interest has-been aroused. Both candidates open too campaign by addressing toe electors ou Friday mght—Mr Rich at Macraes, and Mr Lean at Merton. Mr Rich, in an address to the constituency, dwells upon the importance of securing a local representative, and points to how thoroughly the district has been neglected and unrepresented by its having returned members who have had no interest or stake m it, and who have shown an utter disreipf their obligation s to their constituents. “ While in Wellington a few days since,” continues Mr Rich, “ I had two interviews with Mr Richardson, the Minister of Public Works, and pointed out to him the immense boon it would be to our district having immediate railway connection with a shipping ort, to enable us to export our grain and import our goods. Mr Richardson said the matter had never been represented in the same light to him before, and assured me no time should be lost, and he at once put himself in communication with the head of thy department in this Province to ascertain how soon the contracts could be let.” On the abolition of the Provinces, a question which he says is one for very grave consideration, Mr Rich expresses himself thus:—“ Although I should be glad to see a more inexpensive form of local Government than at present exists, I think it would be most unwise for the members of Canterbury and Otago to interfere with their present form of Government, until they are quite certain what we are to get in exchange, as I believe to suddenly ab >lish the Provinces in both Islands would tend to endanger our land fund, and this I consider ought to be guarded as toe ‘apple of our eye.’ I am fully persuaded that a great effort will be made by the Northern members, under the leadership of Sir George Grey, to have our Provincial land* made Colonial property. I need not point out to you that such a result would be most disas trous to our interests.”