THE LATE ELECTIONS.

Mount Ida Chronicle, Volume VII, Issue 363, 18 February 1876, Page 3

THE LATE ELECTIONS.

(Mr. Stafford.) At the banquet on the occasion of the opening of the Christchurch-Timaru railway Mr. Stafford made the following remarks : —" We are approaching in the next session of the General Assembly, and those more immediately following it, a most interesting period in the history of New Zealand. We have had the whole of the election returns, I believe, with the single exception of one representative for a Maori district. I have watched with very great interest—as all of you have watched who take an interest in politics —the course of the elections, and I am very glad to say the result has been that opposite opinions will be verpfairly represented in the next Parliament, no doubt on both sides, by earnest and intelligent men. That the best tnen may win we all hope. It will, I believe, certainly be so. Each side—and there is no use concealing the fact that there are two very strongly, opposing sides —is no doubt prepared to fight its best. I am strongly bound up with one side, and am very sanguine about the success of my own side. Those of the opposite side are equally sanguine of success. We have a great battle to fight. It should he fought fairly and properly, and with no feeling of partiality towards any particular district, or the representative of any particular Province. (Hear, hear, and cheers.) It should be so fought that all New Zealand will be the better for the fight—(loud cheers) —and I believe that if it be so fought, our side will be triumphant. That difference of opinion exists, is to me a healthy sign. (Hear, hear.) That there Should have been such an interest taken in the last election, when only six members out of eighty-eight were unopposed; two of whom are before you to-day—his Honor the Superintendent and myself—. shows the very great interest that has been taken throughout the Colony."