THE ELECTIONS.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXX, Issue 4589, 4 December 1875, Page 3

THE ELECTIONS.

TO THE EDITOR OP THE NEW ZEALAND TIMES, Sir,—Now that we are in the midst of the turmoil and heat of contested elections, I hope you will allow me space to make a few remarks. I do not propose to give even a synopsis of any candidate’s peculiar claim. I will premise by saying that all the candidates now before the country are fitted for a seat in the new Colonial Legislature; but does any one of them possess such marvellous qualities of head and heart as would make electors, who have lived peaceably and amicably during the last five years, break the social ties of friendship and good fellowship which bound them together in the past, for the sake of returning any of the candidates now before them. Ido not expect for a moment that in this contest any of these gentlemen will lose the slightest particle of respect or good feeling for their opponents. I have seen stormy contests before where even the candidates did not scruple not only to Indulge in a tirade of abuse, but even take up the pistols in open conflict; yet after the declaration of the poll they dined and supped together, making merry over the outbursts of enthusiasm or disdain with which 'their candidature was received, and I have no doubt but such will be the case in 'Wellington. i As far as I can see there is little or no difference between their printed addresses. So it comes to a question of men. For my own part, I have always entertained the greatest disdain for the “So help me” pledge takers. I hope no one will be cajoled by the promises of such men. Promises are, like pie-crust, made to be broken. Let the people remember that. Lot them study and think. They know the candidates well and are protected by the ballot. On the day of polling every elector who desires to be honestly represented should go the polling booth at his own expense. If they attended meetings they should not give vent to any passions, or allow themselves to bo swayed by prejudices. The candidates who seek for power by such disreputable means should bo left out in the cold. A few months ago Irishmen, together with many sympathisers, were justly honoring the memory of a great man—a man who did not allow any mere personal consideration for his popularity to blind him to the truth. Standing before a large meeting of his fellow-countrymen whose enthusiasm was becoming unmanageable, so loudly were they clamoring for immediate rebellion, ho did not fear to.openly and solemnly assure them that “ The freedom of a nation was not worth the shedding of a single drop of blood.” Electors of Now Zealand pause and meditate on such an assertion and say to yourselves, if so, tho choice between candidates possessing the same principles cannot be worth falling out with bur neighbors over.' I have no interest whatever in writing, either personal or political, my desire is to see “ peace and goodwill among all men.”—l am, &c., Pro Bono Publico.