The Temuka Leader SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 1887. THE RANGITATA ELECTION.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1632, 10 September 1887, Page 2

The Temuka Leader SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 1887. THE RANGITATA ELECTION.

We are glad to learn that Mr Buxton’s prospects of winning the Eangitata seat for the Q-overnment are brighter than even the most sanguine of his supporters expected. On the South Canterbury side of the river he will, according to the most authentic accounts, poll twice as many votes as his opponent, and, if we are to believe the rumors which have reached us from the Ashburton side, the people there ars still more enthusiastic in his favor. There is therefore little doubt of Mr Buxton being elected, and we are gla't of it, for we know few more deserving of public confidence. H s knowledge of politics may not be so thorough as that of the Opposition candidate; it could not be expected of him that his acquaintance with facts and figures would be equal to Mr Holies ton’s. The latter gentleman has for a quarter of a century been well paid for studying them, while Mr Boxton has been studying how tn make a living out of farming. We feel assured that farmers will fully realise that the task of making both ends meet on a farm in these days of low prices and heavy taxation is a very difficult one, and make allowances for Mr Buxton. He understands the wants of farmers; he is undoubtedly honest, straightforward and earnest; no one who knows him would doubt his word, and he is thoroughly able to give expression to his opinions in a clear and incisive manner. To our mind he is an ideal farmer representative, but apart from this he has selected the leadership of Sir Robert Stout, and that in itself ought to be sufficient recommendation for him. He has declared himself a Ministerialist, and everyone who knows him will believe that he will honestly adhere to the party under whose banner he has enlisted. This then is the most important question. Are we going to replace Sir Robert Stout in power or hand over the manangement of the affairs of this colony to the tender mercies of the Continuous Ministry. Mr Buxton favors Sir Robert Stout. Major Atkinson and Mr Eolleston appear to be welded together as inseparably as the Simese twins. The electors have rather to choose between Sir Robert Stout and Major Atkinson than between Messrs Buxton and Eolleston, and we think they will not have much difficulty in coming to a conclusion on the subject. The people are well acquainted with the history of the Atkinson party; they know to their cost the pernicious influence they have exercised over this beauti ful colony, and they are not likely to desire that they should be replaced in power, There is a great deal of capital made out of the weight Mr Eolleston would have in the House, but this can only influence those who want the weight on Major Atkinson’s side. Every member of the House has a vote, and in a division one man’s vote counts as much as another’s. Por instance, Mr Buxton’s vote if elected will in a division count one, and Sir Robert Stout’s vote will count no more The question of weight therefore resolves itself into “ What side of the House do you wish your representative to record his vote,” and there is ( nothing more in it. One man’s vote is as weighty as another’s, and the question is: Is the weight to he put on the right or the wrong side ? On one thing we may congratulate Mr Buxton. He is contesting the seat with a gentleman, and he has not been subject to abuse or violence. Mr Eolleston is too well-bred to countenance followers who resort to mudslinging. He realises too \\ ell the value of an honorable reputation to tarnish it with such associations, and hence the immunity Mr Buxton enjoys. Mr Buxton has everything in his favor, and he will, we feel sure, score an easy victory, the pleasure of which will be unalloyed with the slightest recollection of bitter opposition.