The Temuka Leader TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 1881.

Temuka Leader, Issue 609, 22 November 1881, Page 2

The Temuka Leader TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 1881.

County Councils throughout the whole of Now Zealand have now entered upon another stage of their existence. In moat parts the new elections have been very tame, but in the Geraldine County, however, it is satisfactory to find sufficient public spirit has been manifested to show that the ratepayers are not altogether indifferent to the advantages of free institutions. Of tiie old council only three members were re-elected. Various causes may be ascribed for this being the case ; one left the province, one declined to stand again, another changed sides and sought elec ion for a district new to him, leaving only one of the four not returned who fairly and hopefully, sought re-election fur the same riding. Mr Acton and Air Wilson, two of the old Council who were twice returned as popular candidates, are rejected: In the ca.se of the latter gentleman, the statement ingeniously circulated by his opponents that he only sought for election at the hands of th 9 Levels electors instead of as formerly by those at Temuka for the purpose of securing an additional vote for Temuk.-, and consequently as a mutual result a majority in favor of the Council meetings being held in Temuka. had the desired, effect. Timaru, always jealous of losing any of its power, mustered strongly at the Waahdyke polling place, resulting in an overwhelming majority for the two Timeru men. Mr Wilson being confined to the house by an accident deprived him of the opportunity of clearing himself of the unjust imputation, hence the cause of the crushing defeat. All is fair in election, it is said, as in war, but we doubt the wisdom of the policy that is governed by such rules, and tactics, aa were used by the Timaru electors. Timaru is not a part of the county and the injustice committed by the Timaru interest principally in causing the Conned meetings to he held in Timaru instead of in the centre of the county (Temuka) after last general election, is not yet forgotten. It is possible that Timaru has over-reached herself in this instance, the meetings will now be almost unanimously voted to be held in Timaru, consequently the Geraldine County Council may now be set down as another Timaru institution. All this sounds well, but is.therenota fear that a day of reckoning may come. Will not Timaru have to appeal veiy shortly to the outlying districts for their support in raising money to complete the Bieakwater, and will it not need to fas such districts (yet not without their consent) 1 Is it reasonable therefore for it to expect that (hey will tamely support such a movement after such acts of selfishness. Of the two gentlemen who now represent the Levels Riding we say not a word. Probably they are as capable of conducting the business as those who held office for five years before them, but it might

have been wiser to <d'ow n large share for the country districts. Touching the question'of holding the mieting in Temuka those who favor- 1 has- movement lose nothing by Mr Acton, being defeated He was'from the- first in- favor of- Timani all hough shortly before the Act was brought into force we were led to believe lie was not against them being held- in this township. It cannot therefore be regretted that lie is ousted, for it can only he looked 1 upon as a just retribution that he is driven front the seat which he did so much to make comfortable for himself in Timarn. A seat in the Council as at present constituted is not, however, a very hitrrasing one, nor one in which any man with- average intelligence may not be able to act- a- good part. Were it only for the present privilege- none-of the oldi members would have can’d for offering-them-selves for re-election,, and' it- is-possible the two gentlemen referred to- were not very hearty indheir endeavors to get returned, but it is possible- that before another term expires great changes will take place, and great powers and l responsi bilities may be laid upon the shoulders of the members. It was this- that prompted the defeated mem hers to offer themselves. For one’s personal interest's are so nearly concerned that it his duty to look after them. Barring the polling at the W ishdyke the excitement may be tennsd ml, the few voles recorded from Kerry Town to Fairlie Creek ia proof of this. The Temuka election was m-t very animated, only one candidate hailed from the township, consequently he had Stall his own way. Of the other two candidates little need bo sail, although new to the public business and being large owners of property it is hut right that they should have a voice in taxing or otherwise burdening that property. Moreover, they are comparatively young men and as such we heartily invte them to share in the cates of pntdic life. Geraldine has not improved by the change but there was little choice.