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Southland Times, Volume III, Issue 238, 6 April 1866, Page 2

The nomination of candidates for the representation of Invereargill in the Provincial Council will take place at the Court House to-day. The little interest taken in Provincial elections argues but poorly for the public spirit of the people. As long as the Provincial system exists it is the imperative duty of every citizen to use his utmost endeavors to make the Provincial Council respected ; however defective the system may be, however radical the reforms necessary it is^imperative upon everyone interested in progress to put forth energy to obtain the ablest and best men the Province can produce to fill the seats at the Council table. The system of allowing representative institutions to fall into contempt, simply because they need reform, is vicious in principle and wrong in practice. The people of Invercargill have committed this blunder ; they have permitted the Town Board to fall into a mesmeric slumber which closely resembles actual death; and no public effort is made to bring about its rescusitation. The Provincial Council is rapidly falling into a similar position. This should not be. The aim and object of every lover of freedom should cherish with Jealous care all representative institutions, whatever their faults may be, and never let them slip from their grasp until a better system is ready to take their place — until more expansive and liberal substitutes had been provided. Holding these views we cannot but regret the public apathy which t is being displayed ; while feeling that Provincial Councils have had their day, and that Boards should be absorbed by full-blown Municipal Councils, we must deprecate the conduct of the people, who instead of persistently seeking a beneficial change, appear content to allow them to die out without an effort being made to transform them into something far more extensive — to make them honored and useful. There are, we believe, two candidates in the field for' the representation of Invercargill,'Viz., Mr. Jom* Munbo, and Mr. Lumsdejt. Both gentlemen are well known to the electors, and to a certain extent their opinions upon the leading questions of the day have been, in a fragmentary manner, expressed. Still their credentials for post and honor have not yet been publicly exhibited. Mr Muneo is a gentleman of business habits and energy, and possesses a fair share of ability. He is acquainted with the wants and requirements of the Province. We have no objection to the candidature of Mr Ltjmsden. He is an old resident in the Province ; has shown a disposition to study its politics, and take an interest in public aflairs. Socially, he is unexceptional ; but as far as his political capacity is concerned, we deem him inferior to his opponent. His views are narrow— his speeches have left an impression on the mind of most who have listened to him — that he is impulsive; will hug a " one idea," while neglecting to look to the surroundings which prevent that " one idea " being put to practical use. Both candidates are well known to the electors, and their merits or demerits will, doubtless, be freely and fairly discussed. It is v to be hoped that care will be taken that the best man is elected.