The Southland Times. WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 21, 1867

Southland Times, Issue 712, 21 August 1867, Page 2

The Southland Times. WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 21, 1867

The meeting at the Theatre on Monday, was the most important and most sue- j cessful that has been held in Invercargill. The three gentlemen • — Messrs Abmsteong, Caldeb, and Macdonald — who addressed the electors as candidates for the representation of the town, displayed that power of thought, clearness of view, and energy of mind most requisite in legislators. . The gentlemen have long permitted themselves to be abused and misrepresented — nay, vilified —by the snail knot of political pretenders who have for a time flaunted the flag of " integrity" to cover their ambitious designs and self-seeking proclivities. Mr Abmstron"© manfully swept away the vile and unjustifiable slanders ■ that had been circulated with reference to the Blacklocic Ministry, and unmistakeably proved that neither talent or energy had been wanting in the prosecution of the difficult task of smoothing over the difficulties that had been created by the gigantic blundering and unconstitutional rule of Dr Menzies. Mr Caldeb, carefully and ably reviewed the political history of the Province, pointing out the causes that had led to Southland's political perplexities, and traced the policy likely td overcome them.- To the insinuation that had been thrown out by the "street corner" politicians, that he had been a reciver of benefits arising from the contract of Smyth, Hoyt & Co. for the completion of the Bluff Harbor and In-, vercargill Railway he gave a firm andi t unequivocal denial. "We should think that firm, [and the positive assertion of Mr Caldeb — that " he had never, directly or indirectly , received one shilling for -what he did, his efforts being to bring about an equitable arrangement, and that all he did was from an earnest desire to' facilitate a settlement with the greatest possible benefit to the Province "—would suffice to cover with shame Ltjmsden & Co., and silence for 6 ver the sensational retailers of slanderous fabrications. It is unques- ■ tionable that Mr Caldeb is a man much required in the Council at "the present time. Mr T. M. Macdonald's address was clear, concise, and to the point. He showed that when the Ministry of which he was a member was called to office they found that the irregularities and nnbusinesslike proceedings during the Menzie's rule, had left them a legacy of difficulties — compensation claims, <fee. — that fairly staggered them. Still they faced the work, grappled with the difficulties, and in a measure overcome them. He completely destroyed the arguments that had been used in favor of the Menzie administration, and most successfuly refutted the slanders that had been industriously circulated with reference to his own conduct during his term of office. Mr "Wood was absent on duty in the G-eneral Assembly. He has, however, by letter expressed his views npon the railway questiaa, which are sound and decided. These are the four progressive candidates, and we think after their . clear and lucid expositions, the electors will see that by electing them they will be putting the "right men in the right place." Dr Menzies, Ltjmsdeit & Co., and their followers retire from public life, at least for a'time, and. ,let,us; hope that when next they present them- ,

selves we may be able to affirm that the lesson they have been compelled to learn has not been administered in vain, that they have been forced to a conviction that legislation is not a toy to be played or tinkered with by apprentice hands with impunity. The Invercargill elections are of the greatest moment. There are four able and well tried men in the field, and if the electors study their own interests and that of the province generally, if they desire to place Southland in a fair position as- a province^- they cannot hesitate as to " whom their- votes should fre awarded." Messrs, Armstrong, Calder, Macdonald and Wood, are men not only capable of legislation, but from experience, combined with great adaptability, well quali■fieTfqr public work. They, are, neither time-servers, or seekers after office. They are independent of the squatting sway, and free from the small vanity that led the late members astray. They are true advocates of the Railways, liberal in their political views, and men of business and standing— most eligable men ■ for the honorthey solict. They must be returned. — Progress, or no progress-Jtailways, or no railways — is the question to be decided. ■ • ; : " Two more of the elections have terminated. Mr James Wilson, late Speaker of the Council has been returned for the Waianiwa District without opposition. He was a strong supporter of the original railway resolutions, and from his long consistant services as a member of the Council, there can be no question as to his proving a great aid to the progressive party, that he will not only advocate the" immediate prosecution of the railway project, but also support the election of a known staunch railway advocate ais Superintendent. The Waihopai election has resulted in the return of Mr Blacklock and Mr T. M. Clerke. The former gentleman has gained the position of being at the head of the poll from •his consistency in his advocacy of the Kailway question, and the able manner in which he has cleared up the false charges that have been brought against the late Executive. Mr Clerke has gained his election, owing to. the protestations of being a determined Rail way advocate, and shown some of regret for the conduct he pursued during the last session, and from a belief that if in better company than he has hitherto been found, he may . become a useful member. Owing to pressure on our columns by eleci tioneering iutelligence, we are compelled to omit numerous advertisements. : : It w.'ll be seen from our advertising columns that a numerously signed requisition of electors of Invercargill has been presented to Mr W. H. Pearson, to allow himself to bo nominated for the town. He has declined the invitation. We; understand that he is to be .nominated for the, Oteramika District. . ' We would call attention to the meeting of the Volunteer Company on Thursday evening, 22nd August, at the Council Hall. The bnsiness is; -important, being to receive a communication fromthe General Government, election of officers, &c. A full attendance is desired: ;