THE ELECTIONS.

Southland Times, Volume III, Issue 229, 16 March 1866, Page 1

THE ELECTIONS.

Me. Wood is nowthe Invercargill representative for the General Assembly. The contest was sharp, and honorably conducted. Mr. Heale, though defeated, is not crushed. The fact that though absent from the Province, and with a very lukewarm band of 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 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 i 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. Mr. Dillon Bell is now a member of the General Assembly for the Mataura District of Southland. We congratulate the electors upon the event: although not able to endorse the views held by Mr. Bell on many questions — especially the Maori war and Separation — we should have been very sorry if his services had not been secured for the Province. He is an able and well-posted politician ; has influence in the Assembly, is thoroughly conversant with the working of all the machinery of Government. His political experience of New Zealand legislation is unsurpassed by any person in the colony, and although he -may have made some mistakes, he has done good service to the Province, — it would have been a reproach if' we had rejected him at the present time, notwithstanding his views on some of the leading questions, do not dovetail exactly with the opinions of the majority of the people of this portion of the colony. On the question of Separation he is not clear, although he cannot be said to be an anti-SeparatiOnist, and his sympathies are rather too much tinned with the Exeter Hall creed of Maori management. Still, we consider him an eligible man — a man that will always command an influence in the Assembly, and be a wise oflacer for the "raw recruits" which will have to attend drill in the House of Eepresentatives. Indeed he is entitled to be the political leader of the four members of this Province. Mr. McClure showed very good taste in retiring from the contest in favor of Mr. Bell. Had that gentleman succeeded in gaining the election — had a contest taken place, the Province might have suffered a severe loss. He may be a desirable member but he does not hold one single view in advance of Mr. Bell Upon the question of Separation he is unsound, and upon all other subjects his views have yet to be matured. He has wisely resigned and not forced on a contested election. The interests of Southland will we hope, and think, be well looked after during the next session of the Assembly. Mr. McCluee deserves the thanks of the community for the free and frank manner in which he stated, that after he had heard the lucid statement of Mr. Bell whose views he considered almost identical with his own, he should, with the consent of his supporters retire in his favor. This was an act of disinterestedness which we hope will be remembered should that gentleman again seek public honors. Mr. Hankison is also returned for the Eiverton District, but more upon personal friendship of the electors (who are not , very niyaerQUß), than political opinions,