The Southland Times. WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 14, 1867.

Southland Times, Issue 709, 14 August 1867, Page 2

The Southland Times. WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 14, 1867.

Neveb was there a clearer or more decided expression of public opinion on the railway question than that elicited by the election atLongwood. The hero of theantirailway scheme — its chief opponent — Mr Cuthbebtsois", has been defeated. Dr Moncktox, the railway candidate, has been returned by a large majority. It is well known that Mr Cuthbebtsojt has been for months past " moving the spheres " to secure his return for that district ; — he personally waited on nearly every elector — and threw out the most alluring bait to the miners at the Orepuki to support him. Nothing was too good for the industrious and hardworked digger — beef and mutton would speedily be reduced to the smallest possible figure — the duty would be taken off tobacco — roads would be made in every direction that an alluvial " patch " required them ; in fact Mr CuTHßEßxaOijf figuratively opened 1 his arms, and with that philanthropic and peculiar spirit of self-denial which his late proceedings in the Council was a remarkable specimen, sought to embrace the whole fraternity of miners, hailing them as " men and brothers " if they would only vote for him. Bat they, like sensible and intelligent men, having the interest of their adopted home at heart, and recollecting the history of last sesson, saw the importance of the question at issue, and recorded their votes in favor of the candidate who pledged himself to support the railway scheme. We are sorry, in one sense, to miss Mr Cuthbeetsos" from the Council, because he is a gentleman that possesses undoubted ability, and capacity for legislation that fits him to enter political life in a much more extended sphere than the Provincial Council, and had not the railway question claimed our undivided attention, Mr Cuthbebtsox would have obtained our warmest support. As it is, we hope, when this matter is settled, to see Mr Cuthbeetscxst's face once more amongst our Provincial legislators. The j poll takes place to-day for the Aparima district! There are four candidates in the field, viz. : — Messrs Ntjbse, G-illow, Ho well, and Basstian. The two first are the popular candidates ; the latter gentlemen are decided opponents of the railway scheme. It is hoped that the right men will be returned. Thus far all has gone in favor of the Railway candidates. Still the promoters of progress mnai -riot -&&.Q — I** — -fclroix — «72sorfciori3." Ttie great object now to be gained is similar triumphs in the Waihopai and Invercargill districts. Every nerve should be strained to secure the return of the staunch Railway men, and the ignominious defeat of the " blow hot or blow cold" clique. Lumsden & Co. have proved themselves as unstable as water, and should not be again trusted, however plausible may be their promises, with a power for evil-doing.