The Manawatu Times. WEDNESDAY, MAY 23, 1877.

Manawatu Times, Volume II, Issue 62, 23 May 1877, Page 2

The Manawatu Times. WEDNESDAY, MAY 23, 1877.

Upon several occasions recently we' have been asked why the member for this district, W. Johnston, Esq., ■does not meet and address his constituents. It seems to be the usual practice, and a very good one it is, for members to address their constitutents some time during the recess following each session of th.c General Assembly. There, are members .who are exceptionally good m this respect, and not only meet their constituents almos fc immediately after each session, furnishing them, with an outline of all the principal mea-f s sures brought befdr'e Parliament, and minutely detailing the nature of all legislation, or- attempted legislation, of special interest to the particular district which they represent," but they meet them 1 also prior to the commencement of each session for the purpose of taking' counsel with them as to the requirements of their district, and as to the action neces- | sary to be taken with, regard to fche i prospective legislation of the colony/, ! Such procedure on the part of any member of the House is of course eminently calculated to give general satisfaction to his constituents ; but', when .a district is scattered and the' member representing it resides out of the district, it would perhaps entail too much exertion and expense upon him to meet his constituents so frequently. *We must admit that our district is a wide one, and it is also a fact that v the member for Manawatu does not reside within' its boundaries, consequently we believe, Candidly speaking, Mr Johnston's constituents have never expected himyto address them twice m any one year ; but they certainly do expect that gentleman to put m an appearance and state his views to them, arid" answer questions which they desire to ask him, before the commencement of the ensuing session of parliament. The Palmerston North electors for instance .would like to know the <views v of their representative as to the setting apart a block of land adjacent to the Fitzherberton Block', on the deferred payment principle.- They would also like to consult with him m the, matter* of the proposed line of rail from Mungaroa to Palmerston. The construction of this' line would open up a xast tract of country, a large portion of it consisting of land suitable for purposes of Agriculture, and would, we have

every reason to believe, tend to the prosperity of the whole district. Aud we understand that the majority of the settlers m the Manawatu ai'e anxious for the introduction next session of some measure providing for the making of roads and drains through blocks of; land set apart for special settlement, particularly land to be taken up on deferred payments. It seems to us to be the general desire of the settlers m this district that the Waste Lands Board or some constituted authority should take the management of large public works, such As roads and drains, m all blocks which are m future to be set apart- for special settlement. It has been represented to us that settlers for the most part would prefer to pay an increased price fotf their sections -with the understanding that all necessary works of this description should be done for them previous to their occupation of the land. Mr Johnston being a member of the Waste Lands Board, could doubtless furnish much, valuable information on this question ; and the opinions of his constituents on the subject would certainly be of value to him m any action he may deem it expedient to take m this matter. Some discussion' too has already taken place m the Manawatu County Council m reference to the Eating Act of last session, and the~ Chairman of that body has "with, praise-, worthy zeal m the interests of the public written to the Chairmen of the various Road Boards m the Wellington Provincial District soliciting suggestions on the subject, so as to secure concerted action m the framing of- ,a better and more^ popularmeasureforsubmission to the' House at the next session of Parliament. We have no doubt that Mr Johnston is aware of all this, but still his constituents would be better satisfied if he were to meet them personally and talk over the various matters 'which at present v occupy public>attention-in this' district. lii view of the important, though some:' what unsatisfactory, legislation of last session, and the present criticalstate of colonial affairs, it is desirable and really necessary that Rrepresen-, tatives who have not already done so should confer with their constituents on the main questions w-hich.are m a few weeks to be brought before Parliament | and on behalf of the electors of Manawatu we. cordially invite Mr Johnston to our district. In coming amongst Us we feel assured that his hands will be strengthened by the suggestions and support of earnest practical men, who are anxious for the welfare and good government of their adopted country.