The Tuapeka Times. SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 1869. " Measures, not Mm."

Tuapeka Times, Volume II, Issue 82, 4 September 1869, Page 2

The Tuapeka Times. SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 1869. " Measures, not Mm."

Although Mr. Macandrew is, we are happy to say, enjoying excellent physical health, he is generally acknowledged to be politically moribund. Most people believe he will be unable even to husband out his official taper to its natural close, and the consequence of this belief is a hankering in some quarters to fill his about-to-be-vacated shoes. Public meetings, set orations, intense affection for the popular cause, are the order of the day. In -fact, never was country blessed with such disinterested "and patriotic statesmen as, (by their own account), Dtago is, in the year of grace 1869. The marvellous effect of the flap-doodle administered by Mr. Macandrew three years ago, has occasioned a belief in the efficacy of that article as an aid to office. On every stump throughout the country we have disinterested and strong lunged patriots, bent on proving how admirably they could manage public affairs, how cheaply their services would be purchased at $, thousand a year. Already over ft dozen

gentlemen are " spoken of" as likely to contest the Superintendency, a.nd it is very evident that the speaking has originated, in many cases, with the would-be candidate himself. All this is very gratifying, for of course we are bound to believe that patriotic, and not pecuniary motives, actuate all these aspirants. Still, we have had a very salutary lesson against rash confidence, and will do well to be very careful in our next selection. Promises, like pie crusts, are made to be broken, and the ethics of electioneering recognise no distinction between truth and falsehood. Deeds, not words, must then be our criteria, and few of the persons who are endeavouring to talk themselves into notoriety, can show anything like a clear and consistent record. There is one man indeed towards whom all eyes are turned. But this man, whose whole career has been a noble sacrifice of self for the public weal, in whom men of all classes and creeds have the most perfect confidence, whose name is associated with the cause of enlightened reform and social progress; this man, we need hardly say, is not to be found among the mob of noisy and greedy aspirants. Mr. Justice Wilson Gray, occupies an honourably won position, although rather equal to his modesty than his merit. He is known to be averse to again mingling in the bustle of political war tare, but at a crisis like tlie present, his scruples and modesty must give way to the general belief that he is the only man who can occupy the post of Superintendent in a manner beneficial to the Province. Mr. Wilson Gray has made personal sacrifices for tho public good, and now, the general voice of the people calls upon him to make perhaps the greatest of any. Still, we believe, that when the time comes he will not flinch from the responsibility thrust upon him, and undertake to inaugurate an era of confidence and purity, instead of one of distrust and corruption. Our remarks may be deemed premature ; it may be urged that we might in decency have waited until the breath was outof the present incumbent's body, but we are impelled to bring the matter before the public by the underhand attempts to secure pledges of support which are being made by several persons. We urge upon all persons iuterested in the welfare of the Province, sternly to discountenance such efforts ; to view with distrust and suspicion all sudden converts, and to unite in endeavouring to secure the services of the only man iD Otago who can fill the office with honour to himself and profit to the community.