THE HON. W. ROLLESTON.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1194, 24 June 1884, Page 3

THE HON. W. ROLLESTON.

The following article commenting on the Hon. Mr Rolleston's candidature for the Geraldioe seat, is taken from the Wellington Evening Post, an Opposition paper : " Mr Rolleston has shaken the dust of Avon from his feet, and determined to woo the sweet voices of Gerakline. After the discourteous reception which he experienced at Papanui when he addressed hip constituents, it must have been evident that his chances of re-election for Avon were of the slightest possible description. Mr Rolleston is, indeed, at present one of the most unpopular men in Canterbury, and this not on account of any particular sin on his own part, but hfcause ne remained a member of a Ministry which in doing its duty to the Colony inflicted some hardships on Canterbury, by withdrawing privileges which had been most improperly granted. The change was not made in any department over which Mr Rolleston had any control, and no opposition on his part would have been of any avail; but still, he has now to bear on his devoted head the weight of Canterbury's wrath. Whether this feeling extends as far south as Geraldine we do not know. A good many people assert that it does, and that consequently Mr Rolleston will not fare much better in that district than h<» would at Avon. If this be so, it will ba a matter for general regret throughout the colony. He is one of the few men who cannot be well spared from the House. Although, apparently, the special object of Sir George Grey's aversion, Mr Rolleston has proved himself one of the best administrators and most liberal Ministers who ever held the portfolio of Lands. He has done a great deal to liberalise our land laws, to open up the country, and to promote settlement in every direction. He has devoted himself conscientiously to his most important duties, and has performed them faithfully and jealously. Had the Legislative Council been more liberally inclined, Mr Rolleston would have been enabled to accomplish a great deal more, and those who know him an? aware, of how bitterly he felt the check put by the Council on the liberal policy of land administration which he desired to establish. Still, when he retires froai office he will haye a record of good work

dono of which any Minist. r might well be proud. We hope the electors of will rise above petty local considerations of railway freights and by an unmistakable majority return Mr Rdleston to the new House.