SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE. TUESDAY, MARCH 15, 1870.

Southland Times, Issue 1223, 15 March 1870, Page 2

SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE. TUESDAY, MARCH 15, 1870.

THE-resignation of Mr HAffKiNSOir affords the electors of Biverton an opportunity of sending to the Assembly a representative whose political opinions 'harmonise better with tbeir own than dicl 'those of { tbe retiring member. It would be a j profitless occupation now to discuss Mr | "Ha3TKlN"?ok'*s merits as a member of the House, but we may so far refer to tbem i as to remark tbat bis late constituents will he particularly fortunate if tbey I again find one who will so conscientiously ! bold their suffrages. Much misconception j of that gentleman's character, as well as of bis views, prevailed at tbe time re- j unionism was «o rampant in bis district, and no little "dirt was thrown at him by persons wbo, regardless of their fitness for tbe office, assumed the position of public writers. Many a man less scrupulous in principle, stung to resistance by the unjust aspersions of a section of Kis constituency, would have clung to bis seat j in spite of all efforts to dislodge him, tbat be might enjoy tbe double gratification of strentheriing his own party, and thwarting tbem. Happily, Mr Hawkes-son bas shown himself superior to such petty vindictiveness of spirit, and by voluntarily relinquishing bis " coigne of vantage," has done much*to disarm opposition, and restore tis own popularity, sidering how universally sympathetic admiration w accorded to an .honorable, fltraigbtforward action, more improbable things have occurred than tbat Mr Bjarflmrsoir should be again requested "to become a candidate. However, that is a matter for tbe consideration df the electors. In themeanfime, it'is rather surprising that a district so nervously sensitive in political-matters, so jealous of its powers, and hitherto -so loud ; in asserting its rights, as Eiverton, should liave allowed ieven bo Aort a iiime to lapse without .giving any sign -of its vitality. We cannot suppose that the good people of the west, having done so much to confirm one. great measure, have become indifferent to all other questions, or "tbat they are willing to leave £be disposition of yet graver subjects to anyone who may voluntarily undertake to "manage the affairs of state." We had expected to have beard ere this -Borne one mentioned as likely to bave tbe honor of affixing the •coveted TSI.H.B. -to his name, but if anything has been, or is being done, it 'has not transpired. The Western District is most enviably circumstanced -as regards suitable men. Other things being equal, a local man is always preferable to a stranger, and the electors fortunately bave amongst themselves quite a sufficient -number of able politicians to pick and choose from. We might easily mention several, but refrain ; their public labors in the past have rendered them sufficiently conspicuous. Possibly tbe fact tbat tbe next session of the Assembly >will be ; tts last, may lead the electors to think it immaterial whom they return. Those disposed. to 4 be thus careless commit a grievous "mistake. Although moribund, the present parlia- j ment may yet enact measures of the utmost moment ; at all events questions of tbe most serious complexion will come before it for consideration, even if not finally disposed of, and the tone given to public opinion ih discussing them for the first time will influence much their ultimate settlement. affecting our relations with Great Britain, tbe conduct of the native war — which seems as far from a termination as. ever — ocean postal' services, protection to local industries and products, and others of lesser note, will come up for consideration, and it ds well that every constituency in the colony should be ably represented. Southland especially wants another mam of ability, as she is already partly disfranchised through the absence of Mr Bel"l. Thej electors of Eiverton, however, -should not | be guided in their choice by motives of a purely local character. They should j remember that wboever they put forward j should be competent to legislate for the country, not for tbe district only, and therefore they will best protect their #wn interests by considering those of their fellow-colonists, and looking out for a member who has shown himself possessed of comprehensive views, and sound principles, on questions of general legislation, rather than by preferring a man who, though thoroughly conversant with, and j in unison with themselves upon oae point, may be ignorant upon -all others. It may appear of little consequence what the opinions of one member may be, but when it ib remembered, how frequently the fate of most weighty measures has been decided by a majority of one, the importance of a careful exercise of the franchise in this instance becomes apparent.