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Lyttelton Times, Volume IX, Issue 549, 6 February 1858, Page 4

To the Editor of the Lyttelton Times. Sib,—-The circumstances of the present contest in the Heathcote election induce me to request your insertion of a few lines by way of explanation, and in defence of myself. The consequence of my continuing to take Government contracts, to which Mr. Tancred adverts in his address to the Heathcote electors, had been fully considered by me, but the decision to which I had come was precisely the reverse of that stated to Sir. Tancred; in fact, I had resolved to contest this election, and to take no more Government contracts. If, as is customary in such cases, Mr. Tanered had spoken to me upon the subject, and considering more especially that he had certain reasons for doubting the accuracy of the information to which he alludes, he would at once have learnt the true state of the case, and have prevented so unusual an exhibition as a contest for the same seat by two members of the Government. Taking all these circumstances into consideration, and seeing that differences of opinion, sufficient to justify Mr. Tancred's opposition to me, are implied in Mr. Jackson's statement that Mr. Tancred entertains the same opinion as himself, I have found myself compelled to request his Honor to accept my immediate resignation as a Member of the Executive Council. I am, Sir, your's, &c., R. J. S. HARMAN. Christchurch, Feb. 4, 1858.