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Globe, Volume XX, Issue 1447, 5 October 1878, Page 2

It is with great pffeasure we notice that the usual saturnalia on the occasion of civic elections will not come off in connection with those now pending. Wo have on former occasions, pointed out the utter inutility —save as a vent for larrikinism —of these meetings. They have done more to keep good men out of the Council than anything else, and therefore wo are glad to see that the common sense of the people has for once prevailed over the rowdyism which delights in finding expression on these occasions. The only way to check it is for candidates to refuse to attend such unseemly exhibitions on any pretence whatever. Wo are all aware of how the requisitions are got up on which they are called. In nine cases out of ton they are started by some persons who are anxious to have an evening’s amusement at the expense of the candidates. Indeed, so palpable has this become lately, that it has always been a matter of astonishment to us that those contesting the seats did not see that they were being trotted out for the amusement of the assembled audience. It is quite time that such a practice was pmt a stop) to, as it is degrading, both to the candidates and to the city. Whilst on this subject, wo may express a hopio that the Returning Officer will see his way clear to pjostpoue the declaration of the poll until, say noon, of the next day. Now that the hour of polling has been extended to six o’clock, it is dark before the votes can possibly bo made up. Advantage is taken—as on a late occasion—of the darkness to enact scenes of rowdyism, which if allowed to continue unchecked, will cause Christchurch municipal elections to become a by-word throughout the colony. The postponement of the official declaration until next day would effectually stop any

such scenes, and therefore we trust the Returning Officer will think proper to adopt the suggestion made. \