THE ELECTIONS.

Southland Times, Volume I, Issue 55, 6 October 1864, Page 3

THE ELECTIONS.

(to xhb editor of the southland times.) Sib, —Mr. Button, in his address last night to the electors, made use of remarks on the electoral conduct of one of the candidates. He, in answer to a question, srtid that he considered that the fact of Mr. J. R. Davies being a railway contractor was an insurmountable obstacle to his holding a seat in the Provincial Council. lie also said that Mr. Davies' being returned would certainly lower the price of-the Government debentures in the market. Without in the slightest manner wishing to reflect on the delicacy of one candidate making use of remarks on the conduct of another who may be his chief opponent, I may be permitted to observe that he must have a very poor idea and pass a poor compliment on the intelligence and honor of the future member's of the Provincial Caiuricii, when he considers that aiiy one man can influence it for his own individual benefit against that of the Province at large. I have asked many electors who are opposed to Mr. Davies to give their reasons why he should not be elected, and the only answer I can get is, " Oh, he is a railway contractor ;" and when asked to give their reasons why a person having a contract under Government should be deprived of the rights, of citizenship —a right he can claim by law, they put their finger in their mouth, and say"if isfnbt right for a contractor under Government to hold a seat in the Provincial Council. I consider, Mr. Editor, that Mr. Davies has Shown a great deal of independence in coming forward in the manner he has done, and what very few would have the courage to do. As a member of the Council, his conduct will be watched with a jealous feeling, and will be continually before the public. Whereas!, if he had selfish ends to gain, he would keep out of the Council, and would try and effect his object by the underhand means that his present standing could command. With respect to the debentures, the thing is simply absurd, and I wonder at a person of Mr. Button's abilities giving way to the clap-trap of a play-house meeting. I regret to say that at present the debentures are valueless, but as we all sincerely hope, they will become valuable. The fact of a gentleman having a seat in the Council, and being a railway contractor, will not in the slightest degree affect them. The holders of debentures have security on the lands of the Province, and with that they must be satisfied . I regret having taken up so much of your space, and beg to be, yours respectfully, A. M. S. Invercargill, sth October, 1864. *