THE ELECTIONS.

Southland Times, Volume III, Issue 225, 7 March 1866, Page 2

THE ELECTIONS.

TO THE EDITOB OF THE SOUTHLAND TIMES. Sir, — As the election of members for the House of Representatives approaches the political sea appears disturbed and in its throes is turning up all sorts of strange things. Not long ago it was thought that Mr. Heale would have been returned without a contest, inasmuch as his requisition was signed by persons of every shade of local political opinion. Now however it seems that more than one aspirant is likely to come forward, principally on the grounds that Mr. Heale recommended the construction of the Mokomoko jetty, which appears a satisfactory reason with many for disqualifying him as a representative for lnvercargill in the General Assembly. The natural conclusion of which argument being, I suppose, that the House of Representatives is occupied principally in discussing jetties and their construction and that any one who could have recommended the construction of the Mokomoko one is unfit to take part in a discussion on such a subject. As however the future of Southland depends more on the action of the General Assembly than on local legislation, it might be as well to consider the component parts of the former, and 'review, succinctly the subjects it discusses. The G-eneral Assembly of New Zealand j has hitherto occupied a high position, and may bear a favorable comparison with any legislature in the Australian colonies. It is composed for the greater part of men who have studied politics, as a science, and many of its members would take no mean position in the House of Parliament at home. Not only do these men possess a knowledge of political economy— -the result of education — but of the politics of New Zealand especially. To return a neophyte, therefore, at this particular juncture of our affairs, would be simply to disfranchise ourselves. If he opened his mouth on the principle topics of discussion in the Assembly he would be simply laughed at for his ignorance for the first five minutes, and then would have to speak to empty benches — a punishment for his presumption in twaddling to educated statesmen on subjects which have occupied their earnest attention for years. Much , stress has been laid on the necessity of returning men having a local ; the possession of the other qualities, such as political education, knowledge of New Zealand affairs, &c, being considered of secondary importance. Doubtless local interest would be a grand incentive to exertion, but lacking the other qualities cui bono; if he cannot obtain the ear of the House all his good intentions would be of little use. To q»yry weight ia $e Assembly of New

Zealand you must show an acquaintance with the topic on which you discant. The whole force of an attack may be lost by a single blunder as to facts, and men to whom for years the subject has been familar, will easily detectthe slightest error. If, therefore, the member sent is ignorant of what interests the main body, and consequently cannot be of use to any party ; he cannot expect much support or attention for his own little matters, which, though all important in his eyes, are very insignificant in those of the mass of members. The " Southland Debt Act" is a proof of this. Although the affairs of Southland had assumed almost a colonial importance, her wants were not attended to until the last moment. The act in question was passed round in manuscript ; some of the members have since declared they had never even seen it; this is sufficient evidence of the difficulty of inducing the General Assembly to attend to our wants. Should then a member be returned whose knowledge of New Zealand affairs .is confined to the Province in which he lives, and considers the storm in the Provincial saucer, the event of the day, he will be treated with contempt by nen of capacity, and the Province suffers accordingly. Politicians view men, as jockeys _ do horses. If the animal is a good weight carrier, has good paces, &c, likely to prove serviceable, he is worth buying. If he is spavined, or broken down, he is sent to the knackers. Heaven defend us, if our Eepresentatives are sent there. I am not desirous of 4 detracting from the merits, if any, of* Mr. Heale's opponents. I have stated simply and concisely, the requirements to ensure even a hearing in the Assembly, and will leave it to your readers to determine whether those who are ambitious of the seat possess the necessary qualifications. As regards Mr. Heale, I have no hesitation in stating that he doe3 possess them. His most prejudiced antagonist will not deny that he is thoroughly educated, and has an amount of general information which few can equal. He has been for years intimately acquainted with New Zealand politics, having held the position of an Executive Councillor prior to the passing of the Constitution Act. He had a seat in the General Assembly for some time, is thoroughly acquainted with all its forms and orginazation. Having been a member of the House when the Maori question first cast its dark shadow over the colony, he is informed on the subject, and will be listened to with respect. On the question of Separation of the two Islands, he will be able to argue coherently, as he is aware of all the complications, political and financial, which surround it. He is personally known, and has been for years, to all the leading men in New Zealand: and it is hardly necessary to add, is respected by them for his versatile talents and varied information. As to his knowledge of the wants and requirements of Southland, I think few lining in the Province have had so good an opportunity of ascertaining these, or profited better by the knowledge so acquired. That much blame has been cast upon him for the mismanagement of the past, is no proof that he deserved it. It is easy to abuse an absent man, and when it is necessary to find a scapegoat such an one is the most convenient. I only know that had his advice been taken when the first overdraught of £40,000 for ordinary expenditure occurred, the Province would have been in a very different position ■ at the present moment. What, however, we have to look to at present is whether Mr. Heale can be of use to us in his capacity as Eepresentative. Any one who will calmly and dispassionately consider the qualifications necessary, and is acquainted with the ability and untiring energy of the man, will I feel sure, decide that we could not do better than return him. NO PARTIZAN. ♦