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Nelson Evening Mail, Volume VI, Issue 184, 5 August 1871, Page 4

A Model Election Address. — Mr. C. E. Haughton has recently delivered a lecture at Port Chalmers upon " How we are governed." Among many points in the way of • illustration,' was the following imaginary address to the electors of a seaport town : — " To the Electors of Port Molyneux. Gentlemen — The retirement of your late representative upon a securer basis as regards finance than is afforded by the precarious occupation of a legislator, affords me an opportunity of soliciting your suffrages at the ensuing general election. My principles are identical with those of the present Superintendent. I am in favor of * the wilderness blossoming as a rose,' and of overcoming all practical difficulties by theoretical solutions satisfactory in themselves, and never likely to be tested by experiment. The more money we can borrow the better, provided we spend it on ourselves ; aud the generations which follow us, while paying the interest, are at liberty to bless or curse us as may suit their humor. If elected, I shall hope to prove in every way worthy of your confidence. I Bhall be prepared to state — upon oath, if necessary — that there is 56ft. upon the bar at low water, and that the dock will accommodate vessels of every possible length, breadth, and dimensions. The statement that it leaks I shall repel with indignation. I am in favor of progress in every direction, except so far as regards your trade going to Dunedin. The Port is the natural capital of the Province, and indeed of the Southern Island ; and I Bhall be prepared to support a resolution for the removal of the seat of Government, and the filling up of the various mud channels which now occasionally allow of the passage of barges to the City piers. The dredge I consider ought to be at once scuttled, and any attempt to raise it made a misdemeanor by statute. I am, gentlemea,--your obedient servant, Josh. Billings."