The Southland Times. FRIDAY, JANUARY 5, 1866.

Southland Times, Volume III, Issue 198, 5 January 1866, Page 2

The Southland Times. FRIDAY, JANUARY 5, 1866.

The meeting, -held at the Prince of Wales Hotel on "Wednesday evening, of persons interested in the nomination of candidates for the representation of Southland in the G-eneral Assembly, was an utter failure. Combined action on the part of its promoters there was none. Evidence enough and to spare of narrow views came to the surface. For instance one speaker dilated upon an imaginary antagonism of the squatting interest to the progress of the province, forgetful that the pioneers of settlement in Southland were the squatters, whilst another gentleman wished to secure the return of tour members pledged to a certain line of conduct, anti-squatting of course, utterly oblivious of the fact indicated, and altogether ignoring the idea that country districts require to berepresented by menfully acquainted with local wants. It is something to know that persons with a grievance may find vent for their feelings in a thoroughly constitutional manner, and that gentlemen may air their hobby of class antagonism. The experience of other colonies is at complete variance with the views enunciated by one of the speakers, and we can but deprecate the endeavour to raise an electioneering cry upon a false substructure. At the same time it is a matter for congratulation that a question of the highest importance — our representation in the G-eneral Assembly — has been fairly opened. It may serve to spur on the leading men of the province to a due appreciation of the duties devolving upon them. They have too long held aloof from an active participation in public business.