The Southland Times. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 22, 1869.

Southland Times, Issue 1151, 22 October 1869, Page 2

The Southland Times. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 22, 1869.

The electors of Invercargill have nobly discharged their duty in the late contest. They have, by returning four gentlemen of unquestioned ability, done much to save from scorn the political reputation of the province, while the fact that three of those gentlemen are in favor of the " independence " policy affords further grounds for congratulation, the balance of power in the Council being thereby restored. "I am heartily glad Mr Caxdee has been returned'"— said Mr Webstee from the hustings — " he is an able man, and necessary in ~the~ Council as the exponent of the views of the re-union party." "So rabid have some of the constituencies become on this pomt — reunion — that I believe in those districts a parrot taught to repeat the cry would carry its election against Gtladstone himself" — said Mr Cuthbehtson at the Theatre a few evenings ago, after Mr Webster's meeting. The inference to be drawn from both of these remarks is too plain to be misunderstood, and too true to be denied. It cannot be refuted that in some localities the desire for annexation has assumed the complexion of a fierce monomania, and it is equally true that, as a consequence, those localities have exercised but little judgment in returning their representatives. Instead of supporting men of education, ability, and political experience, able and willing to give " re-union" apd all other questions statesmanlike consideration, they have jn too, many instances given the

preference to men totally unfit for the position" to Yfhich they aspired, 'and of any recommendation, save a strong- development of the reigning malady. It seems to have been entirely forgotten by some, assuming—for arguJ ment's sake — re-union to be inevitable, that in reality the terms have yet to be arranged, aye, and fought for — the commissioners' agreement amounts simply to a recommendation — and that by packing the Council with well infcentioned, no iloubt, but incapable men, they were placing themselves in the worst possible bosition for securing the benefits they so confidently expect, and so eagerly desire, from re-union with Otago. Which purely annexationist constituency has returned a member competent to meet in the arena of politics the astute diplomatists of Dunedin ? It is therefore fortunate, even for the re unionists, that such men as MEjrzrES, Lumsden, Websteh, M'Neill, and Bell Will sit in the approaching Council. The constituences which have still to make their choice will do well to strengthen yet more the position of those gentlemen, by returning candidates free to deal with the question at issue honestly and impartially, so that the intelligence and wisdom of the House may not be swamped by the sheer weight of votes, blindly pledged to a foregone conclusion.