Election Notices.

West Coast Times, Issue 213, 25 May 1866, Page 3

Election Notices.

which, as the- whole country is taken up, cannot now bo increased. But the improvement m'o-emptivo rights are capable of indefinite expansion, and havo already been given a muoh widor latitude, in tho opinion of many, and I boliovo of some lawyers, than a fair interpretation of tho law warranted. I allude especially to tho fact that tho Board has too wido a discretion in determining whaf shall bo considered improvements; and also tho fact that tho Board has decided that the challenge of any amount of pro-emptivo right can be defeated by tho purchase of twenty acreg by tho runholder. lam of opinion that tho law should bo amended in these respects, with a viow to tho largo curtailment, or even, if necessary, to tho entire extinction of tho system of improvement pre-emptive rights. But this alteration can only bo made by an Act of tho General Assembly; and bo great is the •necessity of immediate legislation upon this subject that, if it is possible to convene tUo Provincial Council before tho next moeting of tho Assembly, I should, if holding tho office of Superintendent, feol it my duty to do so, in order to obtain their advice as to tho alteration which should bo mado in the law. Gentlemen, it has boon said by Mr. Moorhouso's friends that I am a moro puppet in tho hands of a certain party. I do not know whether I ought to answer electioneering squibs of this kind. I think that thoso who havo raised such a cry havo no personal acquaintance with myself, and should hardly bo accepted as fair judges iv tho matter. I camo forward at tho request of many friends, in some of whom you havo been pleased to place public trust for many years, and who aro not, I think, capable of abusing your confidence, by endeavoring to place at tho head of your Government any ono totally wanting in capacity to porforin its duties. But I should not havo been misled by the perhaps too kind opinion of private friends if I had not received unmistakeable assurances from large numbers of my fellow colonists of all classes, that neither of the other candidates who had presented themselves were wholly aoceptable to the electors. Mr. Travers has stated in an advertisement this morning that I am aware that he possesses a majority. I oan conscientiously assure you, that so far as I know of the promises on all sides, I do not think that Mr. Travers will poll one-third of the number of votes that will be given for me at the election. Whether I am fit for tho office, it is for you to judge; but if any gentlemen have promised me their support under the impression that I am likely to be a puppet in the hands of others, I am afraid they will find themselves grievously mistaken. If you elect me to be Superintendent I shall take the advice of those members of the Provincial Council who show themselves able to guide its deliberations, and no other advice of any description whatsoever. I have the honor to be, Gentlemen, Your most obedient servant, J. D. Lance. Christchurch, May 18,1866. 2751