The Southland Times. MONDAY, MARCH 12,1866.

Southland Times, Volume III, Issue 227, 12 March 1866, Page 2

The Southland Times. MONDAY, MARCH 12, 1866.

Me. Wood is now the Invercargill representative for the G-eneral Assembly. The contest was sharp, and honorably conducted. Mr. Healb, though defeated, is not crushed. The fact that though absent from the Province, and with a very, lukewarm band ol supporters, he polled within two votes as many as his opponent, is evidence that had he been here himself, he would have gained a signal triumph. We have no objection to advance to the result of the election. However much we may think Mr. Heale the best man of the two candidates, we would not desire to disguise the fact that Mr. Wood improves upon acquaintance. His conduct during the election has been that of a selfreliant and honorable man. He was supported by an energetic working committee, and although a hasty and querulous individual of that committee has thought it proper to impugn the independence of the press of Southland, we have no inclination to retort. If that person will give a little attention to what appears in this journal, he will, we doubt not, never again be so rash as to repeat his silly remarks. It is not our province to bandy words with misguided men who, in the excitement of an election, may over-step the bounds of propriety. We rather rejoice over the fact that a public spirit does exist, even though a moving power may string his bow and direct his his arrows against the Press. Mr. Wood has proved that there is metal in him, while acknowledging he has much to learn. It is not out of place to direct his attention to the subject of Loans — upon this question beyond all others he has manifested a mistaken notion of a most dangerons character. It is not now necessary to discuss this point, we purpose going into the question fully hereafter. His Separation views are sound and by judicious and wise discretion, it is possible that Mr. Wood may prove a valuable representative. The political activity which has been displayed gives signs of a public opinion being evoked, which if wisely directed cannot fail to be beneficial to the community — ifc is indicative of a public spirit which if fostered and cherished will facilitate the progress of the Province. Although believing that Mr. Heale was the most eligible candidate of the two, Mr. Wood will receive at our hands every legitimate consideration — it will be our desire to keep him posted-up upon Southland politics, and praise, when praise is due, and censure when censure is merited.