OTAGO.

Colonist, Volume IV, Issue 381, 18 June 1861, Page 3

OTAGO.

(From the Witness.)

Our local political institutions have undergone a severe trial, but have come through the ordeal satisfactorily; the election of Superintendent has resulted in the 'triumphant return of Major Richardson, by a majority of 103 over Mr. Macandrew, and of. 186 over Mr. M'Master, or within three of a majority over tho other two candidates jointly—Major Richardson 292, Mr. Macandrew 189, Mr. M'Master 106. It is, however, a source of regret that the province should have been subjected to the disgrace of having so many of its electors recording their votes for so unworthy a candidate as the late Superintendent, and that too without one word of explanation having been offered of his malversations, and in the face of the most conclusive evidence against him. The large majority over Mr. M'Master is too as highly satisfactory, as showing the determination of the Otago electors to adhere to the principles upon which the colonization of Otago was founded, ot maintaining its lands for the bona fide immigrant, and of affording «very possible encouragement to small farmers and yeomanry. Mr. M'Master had every personal advantage in his favor, and, excepting that he was represented by a committee rather injudiciously selected, there was nothing but his political views to tell against him. That one or two Australian traders recently arrived amongst us should have taken upon themselves to represent the mercantile community of Otago, and to lecture the electors, was certainly gross presumption, and no doubt did Mr. M'Master's cause an injury. This slight circumstance does not detract materially from the fact that Major Richardson's return is to be looked upon as the triumph of a great principle; one which our neighbours in the Australian country have been long struggling to develope—viz., that population is the source of wealth, and that sheep must make way for human beings; and we trust that the lesson will not be lost upon our squatters —that they will be content with the enormous advantages they onjoy, without seeking any further exclusive privileges. The cloud which lately hung over our political iiltitutions having passed away, we may anticipate the bright sunshine consequent upon a vigorous and honest administration of public affairs. The Provinical Council is to meet on the 19th of June; and although the early meeting of that body after the recent struggle will preclude the possibility of laying before it many measures of importance, the occasion will not be lost if arrangements are made to .carry on immigration in a manner which the wants of the community call for, and which we fear will be found to have suffered from inattention during the past twelve months. Beyond, this disadvantage, and the sacrifice of a few thousand pounds of public money applied by the late Superintendent to his private use, the public will have sustained no material loss.

The innate vigor of the province has strikingly displayed itself; for, notwithstanding the confusion which necessarily aroße from the diffici}}ties we have justovercome, our progress has been extremely satisfactory: the public works have progressed with unabated vigor; road-making and public works have been carried on to this late period of the year; and the road to the Taieri is fast approaching completfrn. To do this it was necessary to anticipate-rends, and the overdraft upon the Oriental Bank has exceeded £l 0,000; but the recent land sales, together with the constantly improving receipts from the Customs, have not only replaced this amount, but at the end of the month there was a fair balance to the credit of the Government. The land revenue for the month yields to the Provincial overnment. upwards of £18,000, whilst the gross Customs revenue amounts to £2756.