DEPUTATION TO SIR J. RICHARDSON.

Evening Star, Issue 3982, 29 November 1875, Page 3

DEPUTATION TO SIR J. RICHARDSON.

A deputation of over twenty electors waited on Sir J. L. C. llichardsou this morning, to ask if he would receive-a requisition requesting him to come forward as a candidate for the City of Dunedin at the ensuing general election, •r Mercer, as the oldest identity present, said he was the first to propose -nr John as a member of the Provincial Council. Mr Davie said if Sir John refrained from giving a decided answer, a requisition signed by a large majority of the citizens, and promising support would be presented to him. Sib J. Richardson, in reply, observed that he was extremely gratified at the honor paid him by the deputation, and to find that, after a lapse of twelve years since he last represented Dunedin in Parliament, be was still regarded as not unworthy of being elected as one of their members. Kver since 1866, when he abandoned active politica life, though willing to become a member of the Executive, he had resolved to retire entirely from all expressions of political opinions, but the organic alterations in contemplation forced him to respect his duty as a citizen, and to give expression o his sentiments at this ciisis in the history of the Province and the Colony. He felt unable to reply fully at present, hut would express his opinions more fully in the course of the present week. At the same time ho wished it to be fully understood that, muchas he would be pained to reply in the negative to any requisition that might be made to him, he felt that his failing powers, physical and mental, might prevent him from acceding to the request.