THE WESTPORT TIMES ON THE LATE ELECTION.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume IV, Issue 263, 8 November 1869, Page 2

THE WESTPORT TIMES ON THE LATE ELECTION.

The West Coast electors have a common ground of sympathy, and however they voted — whether for Mr. Akersteu or for Mr. Gib's — i heir • voles were, no doubt, giveu iv expresstou of that common feeling. Though in appearance divided, they were iv principle united. - Their principle was to protest against thereelection of Mr. Curtis, and, viewed iv that l'ght. apart from the opinion there may otherwise be as to the misdin ction of their votes, the extraordinary unity displayed in Charleston and Brighton becomes almost picturesque. Its real meaning was "We are not voting for Ak^rsien or for Gibbs ; we are voting against Curtis ; and on that potut we are unanimous." It is to be hoped that Mr. Curtis will distinguish iv this uuanimity something more than its mere picturesqueness and that he will, duringhis future occupation of the office of Superintendent, returned though he has been by a large majority over the whole province, defer somewhat more than he has done iv the past to the expressed opinions of a district which is so great in extent and in character so distinct. His refeieaces to the Coast as a candidate may well be forgiven him as a Superintendent, and, reciprocating "the feeling, he should remember that the inhabitants on the Coast are no loDger a party exercising their privileges as electors either for or against him, but are a constituency of whom he is the elected representative. The difference between these positions he has, of course, already realised by his having previously held the same office, but we shall hope that, during his new tenure of office, he will realise it more amply, and that we shall also realise more amply the benefits of the fulness of that realisation.