Election Intelligence.

Nelson Examiner and New Zealand Chronicle, Volume XIV, 1 December 1855, Page 2

Election Intelligence.

ELECTION OF SUPERINTENDENT FOR~

THE PROVINCE OF NELSON.

The office of Superintendent of the Province of Nelson having become vacant by the resignation of E. W. Stafford, Esq. (who, previous to his election as a Member of the House of Representatives, resigned the Superintendency, in consequence of a declaration formerly made that, if elected Superintendent, he would not come forward as a candidate for a seat in the House of Representatives) the election took place in front of the. Court House, Nelson, on Thursday last.

The Returning Officer, J. Poynteu, Esq., having read the writ,

Mr. Ross came forward and proposed Edward William Stafford, Esq., as a lit and proper person to fulfil the duties of Superintendent. He remarked that it was one of the happiest moments of his life, for, although he had opposed Mr. Stafford's first election, he had been so pleased with the manner in which the Superintendent had performed the duties of his office, that he felt proud, though but a baker, in proposing so worthy a man. lie would, in the language of his trade, say of Mr. Stafford, that the people of Nelson might have sifted the wheat over and over again, but they could not have found a sounder or finer grain of corn. So general indeed was the satisfaction at Mr. Stafford's conduct, that no one had been found on the present occasion to come forward and measure swords with him.

Mr. Webb seconded the nomination, and observed that it was worthy of remark, that so well had Mr. Stafford performed the duties of his office, and so highly was his conduct esteemed, that he was proposed and seconded on this occasion by persons who had opposed him on his first election.

No other candidate being proposed, the Returning Officer declared that Edward William Stafford, Esq., was duly elected the Superintendent of the Province of Nelson [loud cheers].

His Honor the Superintendent, who was warmly cheered, said that he desired to return his most unaffected and heartfelt thanks to the electors of the province for this reInewed mark of their confidence, ne could not but allude to the remark made by the gentleman who had seconded his nomination, that he had on this occasion as proposer and seconder, men who had opposed his first election. It was most satisfactory to himself that such should be the case ; and while, on the one hand, there could be no more legitimate source of gratification — no higher reward for past services — than the declaration that the conduct of a public officer had merited the approbation of those who were affected by such conduct ; so, on the other, there could be no stronger or more honourable incentive towards such a performance for the future of the duties of his station as might indicate that their confidence had not been misplaced. He could most sincerely state, that in administering the government of the province it had been hjs sole desire, without reference to class or party, to act in that manner which might appear best calculated to ensure the development of the resources of the province, and thereby to promote the interests of all classes of its inhabitants. With this desire, he hid never studied the interests of any particular class, believing that in a colony no one class could prosper without all sharing in that prosperity. He had at no time concealed his ophuons or intentions with respect to any public questions, but had embraced every legitimate opportunity of avowing the principles and opinions by which his government was regulated. This course had been productive of much advantage ; the absence of concealment had prevented those feelings of irritation or suspicion as to the intentions of the Governmont, which secrecy so frequently aroused ; while the open and free discussion of the measures contemplated had removed many misapprehensions and misunderstandings, and had been the i means of enabling the community and the Government mutually to receive* and impart much useful information on public questions. With reference to the contrast afforded by the present and the former election of a Superintendent, he could not but ascribe the circumstance of there being no opposition on the present occasion to the fact, that his administration of the government had generally been satisfactory. He had never expected that it would please all, nor could he conceive any form of government which would — for the very measures required for public convenience, the alteration of a road, the formation of a drain, the making of a public reserve for the benefit of all, unavoidably often annoyed or occasioned some loss to individuals, who might consequently misconstrue the motives for the act. What he had considered at all times was not whether what he was about to do would or would not give satisfaction, but whether it was right, or conducive to the public welfare [cheers]. That this conduct had now proved to have been satisfactory to the public was a sufficient and most honourable acknowledgment of the policy which he had hitherto pursued, and which would continue to guide him for the future. His Honor then said that, while he had necessarily on this occasion been obliged to allude more to himself than he could have wished, he was much gratified in having the opportunity of thanking those from whose advice and assistance he had derived so much benefit. To the members of the Executive and of the Provincial Council he was deeply indebted ; and whatever mistrust or suspicion might naturally enough have been at first experienced by men virtually untried, he could now recognise but one desire to cooperate for the public good, one belief that by Such conduct alone could the greatest amount of advantage to the public be achieved [cheers]. He also thanked the officers of the General Government resident in the province for the readiness with which they had co-operated with him on all questions affecting the public interests, and for the information and assistance they had thus afforded him.

A vote of thanks was then given to the Returning Officer, and the assembly dispersed.