TO THE ELECTORS OF THE PROVINCE OF CANTERBURY

Grey River Argus, Issue 58, 26 May 1866, Page 4

TO THE ELECTORS OF THE PROVINCE OF CANTERBURY

Gentlemen, — Since I had the honor tp receive a requisition inviting me to stand for the office of Superintendent, other gentlemen have offered themselves as candidates ; and i as some of the friends pf thpse gentlemen are apparently deternuned to misunderstand me, it is necessary that, though an old public servant, I should hasten to publish in plain terms my opinions upon matters of interest to the Province. Of course I should desire to see a careful and steady prosecution of Railways, Harbor Works, and other public works, and should earnestly endeavor to avoid financial embarrassments of the Province. I trust that, if elected, I shall be enabled by the Provincial Council to deal with the claims of Timaru, of Westlanct^ and, indeed, of all the outlying districts of the Province, in such a spirit of liberality as Mill; tend to remove those difficulties and misunderstandings which at present exist. i ■ . Gentlemen, I shall not either directly or indirectly interfere with any of the election of members of the Provincial Council. This declaration should be sufficiently indicative of my desire that the public should have the protection and advantage of a Council composed of entirely independent men. • I shall not promise that I will not endeavor to influence the Council, beo.-uise I deem it to be the duty of a Superintendent, by fair and consitutional means, to inspire the Council with confidence in his administration., It would be to me a matter of great anxiety that my Executive Council should be composed of the best men in the country ; they would always be treated by me with frankness and cordiality. I am asked what are my opinions on the subject of Separation ? Although this is not a provincial question, I am not unprepared to express my opinion upon it. Gentlemen, I assure you I very much dislike the sound of the word, and should regard the separation of the two islands with the greatest regret. I shall, however, be willing to listen to and respect the rational opinions of men of all parties, reserving my final judgment until every pains has been taken to exhaust the question. Believe me, that nothing short of the most urgent necessity would induce me to affirm the wisdom of Separation. The self -reliant policy has all my sympathy. Nothing could be more consonant with my views and wishes than that the colony should rely entirely upon itself in all things. .Gentlemen, I trust I have spoken out plainly, If you do me the honor to elect me, I will serve you with all my heart. If, on the contrary, you decline my services, I shall still in some less exalted position endeavor to be useful. Many opportunities of fully explaining my opinions will occur before the election. It will be my business, if possible, to see every elector. In the meanwhile, I remain, Gentlemen, Yours truly, W. S. MOORHOUSE.