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Lyttelton Times, Volume VI, Issue 408, 1 October 1856, Page 1

TO THE ELECTORS OF THE CHRISTCHURCH COUNTRY DISTRICT. ' Gentlemew,— I take'the opportunity presented by Mr. Brittin's resignation of his seat to offer myself to represent you in the General Asscm : bly of New Zealand. At the close of one session of the Assembly, and so long before another, any opinions expressed on the public 'questions of* the day Would be rather co.inments,on .the past than views as, to the future. I shall, therefore, only say here that I consider.the main principles of the policy of the present Government-to have, been adopted, with judgment and foresight, as a- basis of future legislation. In my;opinion, however, a great part of the legislation itself has been hurried, ill-considered, and very imperfect.. I hold it to be the duty of your representative to give a steady vote to a Government with whose general policy he agrees; but, more particularly, by attentive consideration, suggestion^ and, if need be, opposition, to prevent the passing of any measure which he does not thoroughly understand and approve. Such will be my line of conduct, if you think proper to elect me as your Representative. I trust, Gentlemen, that my late appearance beforelyou" in the same capacity, will render a" "personal canvass upon this occasion unnecessary/ as I have now no time at my disposal to go through so large a district properly. . < : ■■■■;• - I am, Gentlemen, Your Obedient Servant, Crosbie Ward. Lyttelton, Sept. Ist, 1856. TO THE ELECTORS OF THE "CHRISTCHURCH COUNTRY DISTRICT. Gentlemen, — A WRIT having been issued for the election of a member for the Christclmrch Country District, in the House of Representatives, I venture, in accordance with the wish of several electors, to present myself to your notice, as a candidate for the vacant seat. Nine months have elapsed since I appeared before you for a similar purpose; my subsequent public career, as one of your Representatives in the Provincial Council, will have induced you, I trust, to enlarge, rather than to withdraw your confidence in me. You will remember that I told you it was essential that your choice shordd fall upon men who possessed commercial experience; an opinion which recent events has confirmed. You have seen the necessity for it in the altered Tariff, which has been so hastily thrust through the General Assembly; a tariff which never could have stood the ordeal of any number of mercantile men, setting aside as it does all recently recognised principles of commercial legislation. The principle in England, latterly, has been to reduce the duty upon all articles essential for the consumption of the people; the present tariff has the opposite effect. Upon some articles it will result almost to a prohibition; upon others the duty has been doubled; upon many it has been increased one-third ; while cottons, calicoes, flannels, and even the "blue shirt" are placed, most unfairly, in the same category with the choicest silks, and costly jewellery. The use of a colony to its mother country is in the extension of its home commerce, and in opening up new fields for its superabundant, productions, but this novel system will materially check our trade, and press most heavily upon the. consumer. It is unnecessary for me to dwell upon any other topics which have been under the consider-