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New Zealand Times, Volume XXX, Issue 4419, 19 May 1875, Page 2

The death of Mr. Boelasb has created a vacancy in the representation of this city in the Provincial Council. An election will necessarily follow. It is, therefore, a matter of considerable importance to the constituency to consider who, at the present juncture, could best represent their interests in the Provincial Council. In saying this, of course, we assume that so long as provincial institutions last they should be worked by the very best men in the community that can be got to take office. Mr. Boelasb was a lawyer, and we have heard the name of another lawyer mentioned as a possible candidate. Wo refer to Mr. Teavees, than whom, should he consent to stand, no better selection could be made. For ourselves, we should be very glad indeed if the province had the advantage of Mr. Tkavees’s legal knowledge and business habits. It might have the effect of keeping the provincial authorities off someof the quicksands on which they are now but too surely drifting; but at all events, whether Mr. Teavees would have sufficient influence, if elected, to accomplish this, the public would have the satisfaction of knowing that they had done their best to supply the Executive with able counsel. It may bo, however, that one of our leading merchants aspires to the vacant seat. If that be the case, we should bo sorry to prejudge the question; but in the absence of any direct intimation of the kind, wo are prepared to recognise Mr. Teavees, sen., as the candidate who possesses most points of recommendation to the constituency. Wellington requires the services of its best men, and the exercise of the soundest judgment that can be brought to bear upon its affairs to ■ pull

it well through its difficulties. although everything appears to be flourishing and prosperous, and bricklayers insist upon 14s. a day of eight hours paid weekly, and refuse to accept piece work, a reaction will most surely come about, when labor will be paid at a lower rate, rents will fall, and taxes press heavily upon the ratepayers. We should prepare for hard times ; and by timely preparation, avert half the misery which a state of total unpreparedness would infallibly bring upon the province. It is from a conviction that far-seeing prudence is essential to continued prosperity, that we write in this strain. We have done our duty by directing public attention to this matter. There is nothing gained by blinking unpleasant questions ; and we trust our fellow-citizens will, in this affair, be guided by prudential considerations. The very best man that can be induced to stand for the seat should be elected in place of the late Mr. Borlase.