New Zealand Times. (PUBLISHED DAILY.) FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 15.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXI, Issue 4831, 15 September 1876, Page 2

New Zealand Times. (PUBLISHED DAILY.) FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 15.

That Mb. Moeller : would .be returned as City Councillor for Te Aro .Ward, and that Mr. Gillon would be defeated, was a result predicted in the New Zealand ■Times some weeks ago, when, in effect,, wo said that, despite the peculiar method of bringing himself forward by means of, a pretended retirement, Mr. Gillon would find that he had only to bo opposed by some straightforward in order to ensure his retirement becoming a’forced one. But whilst we said, this, we confess that so total and crushing an expression of public feeling on Mr. Gillon’s public merits as that manifested yesterday, was quite unexpected. Owing to the fact that he numbered amongst his supporters some gentlemen held in considerable public esteem, and whom it was a pity to see in the unenviable position of his supporters, we did expect that he would have run Mr. Moeller closer than he did yesterday. But the position he occupied at the close of the ; poll has shown everybody, as we hope it will show him, that it is useless to have the support of some people, no matter,;;how high they may stand in public estimation, unless coupled with that support ■ there are certain qualities which a candidate should possess. The truth is that Mr. Gillon defeated himself; and the sooner he learns this the sooner he will find the New Zealand Times amongst his supporters, for by learningithe willdiyesthimselfof the many objectionable attributes which nowmilitate so strongly against him as a public man. It is with a sincere desire for Mr. Gallon’s own public welfare that we point this out, and entreat him to loot now practically at facts, and suffer himself to be convinced, despite of his egotism, of ,the truth that there are certain principles which no public man can outrage withumpunity, and which must be attended to'if any man desire to retain the confidence'of the public. Mr. Gillon’s public career has been distinguished , by . an unseemly strife, and by a wavering upon, all important points, that have left him perfectly unreliable as a public man. In this very last contest he could not ay,old personal, attacks upon those who conscientiously opposed him, and: in byegone times he has i- alWays!' 'tried to attain; success by . a system of bullying and brow-beating which regarded no rule so long as it .could be made seemingly effective, against an enemy. Asia consequence, he has left behind him in the feelings of many nothing but a sentiment of contempt for his pretensions, , and this he must have bitterly experienced yesterday. He' has a coating of -thick egotism' that makes him think that ho matter how he may have offended anyone by the exercise of the system wo have mentioned, he has but to drop the use of that system,' and straightway there must be no remembrance of his offences. But he should learn that in. public life, as in private, his favorite system entails ultimate general dislike for him who uses iit,_ andif for nothing else, we may be permitted to express satisfaction at the -result of yesterday’s polling iri that it' may beget in Mr.' Gillon a little more temperance and moderation should he ever again think fit to emerge from the private sphere to which public opiniqn has almost unanimously relegated him. And yet it is to be feared, that he is. not of the nature to take a lesson., .When addressing the electors at the close of,-,the polling, he could not, as the common saying has it, “ take his gruel like a man.” He was beaten, fairly andhonestly.beatonj and.yet his curious turn of mind interfered to prevent his taking his beating with decency and moderation. He at .once.began liposome whipped urchin to rail against those who, with no personal animosity against him, but simply for the public good, had punished him. lie ■ could not ; refrain from,; .imputing unworthy'motives’ and unworthy-actions to those who had supported Mr. Moellke. We shall say no more on this head, because, we Havel .hopes that a. few, hours reflection'.arid, the perusal I of; the J|' wellin ten turned 7 ad vice which’ "we have "just offered Mr,, Gillon,, ydl! induce ,him: to repent,of what he'saidj aridio recognise that if he will bo content to begin his public, career! over again;; and; suffer himself to be guided by better principles than those which he has adopted in the past, he will be more likely to command ulti-

mate success. We do not,, desire to say any more, -or now -that the contest has ended to indulge in j retrospect -of Mr. Gillon’s municipal .career. We have previously pointed out.that it was merely a record of broken pledges, and of such plain ..tampering., and. .tergiversation on public questions as distinguished him in regard-to the gas question. The ratepayers have given an emphatic verdict on this question, and - whilst, fully endorsing their verdict we have no desire to make it unnecessarily severe to its subject. Quite the contrary. - The New Zealand Times only wishes to teach Mr. Gillon public rectitude and courtesy, in the hope that some day he may pursue a path of public usefulness, obtain general respect as_ a public man, and devote his hitherto misdirectedjenergies to the public good.