A LIBERAL OR CONSERVATIVE.

Oamaru Mail, Volume IV, Issue 1289, 25 May 1880, Page 2

A LIBERAL OR CONSERVATIVE.

TO THE EDITOR OF THE OAMARtT MAIL. Sib, —With your permission I should like to ask, through your; columns, what our two candidates in the Liberal imerpsts are thinking of. Why so determinedly oppose each other, and by thus splitting the votes ensure the Conservative candidate's success. Mr. Roberts tell us that he takes the field on principle, Mr.' Jones having promised not to oppose him, and charges Mr. Jones with violating his agreement, and, on principle/ therefore, in defiance of an overwhelming majority, Mr. Roberts is determined to face the poll and hazard the consequences. While, on the> other hand, we are told by Mr. Jones,, that he did promise not to oppose Mr. Roberts, and further, that ho most honorably and strictly adhered to his promise,, by declining (in the face of numerous requests) in opposition to Mr. .Roberts,, having promised that gentleman not to oppose him. But Mr. Roberts retires,, and makes an official statement to that effect to his leading committee men, allowing them time to arrange with a number who had promised support to Mr. Roberts, to transfer that support to Mr. Jones (who would then bo tlio only Liboral candidate in the fiold), who, on Mr. Roberts retiring, at once came forward in accordance with the request of a largo number of the electors, feeling that ho thereby could break no pledge, there being jno Mr, Roberts then to oppose. But immediately on this step being taken, Mr. Roberts again changos his mind, and decides to stand. Now, sir, I consider it a pity that thero should be any misunderstanding in the matter, and think that if the gentlemen announced as candidates in the Liberal interests, really liavo the cause at heart, they should crush any, or iall ambition, or private interest, for the sake of the public benefit. Let them give proof of their desire to study the wellbeing of the Electorate by arranging for one of them to retire, and thus make suro of the return of a Liberal candidate. Seeing there is yet time, I would suggest tho course adopted by theChristohurch Liberal Reform Association, viz., in the event of two or more candidates offering they aro put to tho poll. By the members of tho Association, privately, the successful member is then sent to take the field, the other members retiring gracefully, and the whole party use all their zeal and energy to. secure the return of their lata victor. Now, sir, I venture to suggest that there is yet time to adopt suoh a course here, and I am sure that any gentleman, holding the views and principles that both our candidates profess to hold, could not hesitate for one moment to try conclusions in this manner, and thus prove that they have the interests of Liberalism at heart. In conclusion, I would augge&t that the Liberal Electors might justly brand him who would |no,t show this selfsacrifice as a gross pretender, seeking for popularity. Hoping we may see but one Liberal candidate oontest the election, and place, him a,t the top of the Poll.—• Yours, eto., Liberal Ewjctor.