The Standard AND PEOPLE'S ADVOCATE. (PUBLISHED EVERY WEDNESDAY AND SATURDAY.) SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 1875.

Poverty Bay Standard, Volume III, Issue 306, 11 September 1875, Page 2

The Standard AND PEOPLE'S ADVOCATE. (PUBLISHED EVERY WEDNESDAY AND SATURDAY.)

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 1875.

“ We .hall sell to no man justice or right: W• .hall deny to no man justice or right: We .hall defer to no man justice or right.”

A correspondent who signs himself, “ Delta,” and whose letter appears in today’s issue, seems to be more than an ordinary observant as to local politics, which at the present moment, are apparently in a state of comparative stagnation. The whole tenor of his letter is most suggestive, and, consequently, worthy of the consideration of those of our readers who take an interest in representative matters. It is, however, quite possible, that what he advances may be regarded by some as not only dictatorial, but presumptuous, whilst the more sensible of the community will view his remarks in a different light, and hail them as very opportune, which Litter view we ourselves take of them. That we have a political battle to is most certain, and it, therefore, behoves us

to make timely preparation for the conflict. We are upon our trial in the matter, and if we abuse our privileges, woe betide us. In thus writing we do not wish to be understood as sounding an unnecessary tocsin, but simply endeavoring to foreshadow, according to the best of our judgment, what there is reason to believe will take place at the ensuing election, which is now rapidly approaching, and which will, of course, prove to be the eventful in which we have yet been engaged, from our expectation of being constituted a separate electorate. In all probability, our suffrages will be sought by more candidates than have been hitherto anticipated, and as it would be culpable on our part to choose any but a proper representative, we hope the electors will pause ere they commit themselves to support anyone in particular until they know what men they may have to select from. It sometimes happens that the most eligible candidates are not the first to be in the field, as had been the case in several instances at the last general election in the mother country. As yet none of the gentlemen who have been talked of as probable candidates have given any express sion of their political principles, so that we are totally in the dark as to their sentiments. Such an expression is absolutely necessary, in order to enable the people to judge as to the fitness or otherwise of those who place themselves in the position of aspirants for Parliamentary honors. No one who offers his services in such a capacity should defer making known his views to those whose votes must either elect or reject him ; but should, on the contrary, take the earliest opportunity of giving a full and unreserved exposition of his political creed. This is the course which every honest candidate should pursue. That the district should be represented by a local man is what every one is solicitous for, but strange to say, nothing definite has been yet done to further this object beyond mere talk. It was stated about three weeks ago that A. McDonald, Esq., (of thefirin of Barker and McDonald) was to be invited, by requisition, to become a candidate, and that that gentleman was willing to comply, but neither the requisition, nor anything concerning it has been yet published, and doubts are now entertained as to whether the rumour had not been an unfounded one. We believe that Mr. McDonald’s friends are desirous (hat he should stand, and that he, himself has no objection to do so; but why has not action of a practical character been taken in the matter ? And why has not his candidature been publicly annnounced? Until such announcement is made he cannot be regarded as a bona fide candidate. The advice which our correspondent gives in counselling the electors to refrain from pledging themselves until all the canditates are before them, is a salutary one, and will doubtless be a means of inducing immediate action.