Correspondence.

Lyttelton Times, Volume IX, Issue 557, 6 March 1858, Page 5

Correspondence.

To the Editor of the Lyttelton Times. Si a,—The general apathy of those whom the electors of the Akaroa district chose at the last general election to represent their interests in the Provincial Council, and the indifference and negligence displayed by the member, will I trust be sufficient apology for these few lines.' In the last Council, when we returned four members we were tolerably well represented and tolerably well satisfied with the efforts of the gentlemen who were our members to advance the general good. Upon the dissolution of that Council and the reduction of the number of our representatives from four to three, we thought it would lurtner advance our interests were all our members more or less connected with the peninsulaand we thought it particularly desirable t« have one whose interests were concentrated in Akaroa alone, who lived among us, knew our wants and requirements, would carefully study the same and apply himself to promoting the welfare of our Town and District. Perhaps.the reason of our rejecting non-resident members was the fear of electing a " King Stork:" certain is it we have set over ourselves a "King Log," a very log, not only a speechless one (though our log was not always speechless, for on the day of nomination he made all kinds of promises about what he would do), but one which apparently would require skids and handspikes wherewith to roll it to the Council Chamber at Christchurch. I refer to the fact that the Council which, has just closed its sitting had the honour of only one attendance of the resident member for Akaroa, during the whole session. While the Government and Council displayed an anxious and praiseworthy desire to make roads, bridges, &c. through other parts of the province, and voted liberal sums to improve the towns, yet Akaroa, possessing one of the noblest harbours in New Zealand, and some of the finest natural products and working sites in the province, through the neglect or apathy of its member had the magnificent sum of £500 voted for|iits Public Works! A liberal outlay would have proved not only of vast importance to the inhabitants but also; a valuable addition to the treasury, in the sale of many thousands of acres of some of the best land and timber.

Now, Mr. Editor, perhaps you can inform me and my brother .electors what measures we must take to. get rid of our log. Will a numerously signed address compel it to allow itself to be rolled away, and have a stout young sapling set in its place. B? you can aid me with your advice and'assistance, you will oblige Yours, &Ci,

AN ELECTOR OF THE AKAROA DISTRICT

To the Editor of the Lyttelton Times.

Sir, —Perhaps there is too much of the magpie in my nature, or why should I be poring in the columns of the ' Canterbury Standard' for liberality of sentiment when a littiereflection would have told me it was not in itscreed. It has been my unhappy chance to have seen many of my fellow mortals pay the penalty of their fives to the offended laws of their country, but I never heard of an instance of torture (within the 19th century) inflicted on the. unfortunates awaiting the verdict of their fellows. These remarks are made throughreading an article in yesterday's ' Standard' headed " Lyttelton,' wherein the writer anticipates an accession to the number of convicts in this settlement.

As I am not aware that there are more than two suspected persons awaiting trial, and as there has been no previous offence alleged against either,. I do, Mr. Editor, think we ought not to prejudge them. Another unfortunate is pardoned at nearly the expiration of his sentence, and his name and previous faults are blazoned again for public remark. Now the probabilities are that, if the man had served his other 16 or 17 weeks.incarceration, the world of Canterbury would have quite forgotten him and he might have returned to reputable labour and a better name without being thought of by the many or sneered at by the few.

I am, Sir, yours,

P. Q.