THE ELECTIONS.

Westport Times, Volume VII, Issue 1121, 4 November 1873, Page 2

THE ELECTIONS.

[gbeymouth star.] The election of Superintendent of Nelson being now close at hand, and one of the two declared candidates having vouchsafed a statement of his views to the electors, and received votes of approval and encouragement, the time has arrived when opinions may with propriety be expressed as to the relative merits of the candidates, and when those feeling of social delicacy, which in ordinary intercourse would prevent mention being made of any deformities or defects from which a person may suffer, may and ought to be laid aside, as for at least as politics are concerned. At the same time, we hope that it will be understood, both now and throughout the contest, that such personal allusions as have to be made, are made simply with a view to the public welfare, and not from any desire to wound, or hostility towards the individuals referred to. We have indeed little hope that any remarks we have occasion to publish in the course of the Dext few weeks, will be accepted in this spirit, as it is the misfortune of New Zealand that threefourths of her politicians are totally unable to look upon the lightest criticism adverse to their actions as indicative of anything but private animosity on the part of the critic Hitherto, certainly, neither Mr O'Conor nor Mr Curtis have shown themselves superior to this conception of their political opponents' motives, and it is therefore beyond expectation that they should do so on the present occasion. Those, therefore, who support the one may expect to make an enemy of the other, whom it will hereafter be no easy matter to reconcile; and they may fairly expect, if it should ever be within the power of the man they oppose, to do them a good turn, that he will conscientiously abstain from doing it. That either of them would go farther, and reduce the converse proposition to practice, we should be sorry to assert. As to the coming Superintendent, we find that by far the largest section of the electors are in that unenviable position of having to choose between two men, neither of whom they heartily approve of, or would be disposed to support if any third course was open to them. This being the caso, the electors may just as well make a virtue of necessity, and for whichever candidate they record their vote, do so with a. graciousness of mien, and such semblance of faithful adherence as will at least secure for them the goodwill of the person returned. That herein we are advocating the employment of a certain measure of hypocrisy is true enough; but this is only for the consideration of those who hold freedom to play the hypocrite on occasions, as one of the essentials of political liberty. If there are amongst the electors some whose consciences would be in any way scandalised by such a proceeding, by all means let them adopt the only other plan whereby they may save their scruples,' and abstain from voting altogether. In our judgment, however, and seeing that one of two calamities has to be borne by the Province, to give no vote at all would be to surrender a citizen's duty in not using every effort to prevent the greater of the two being inflicted. Of the two calamities alluded to, which present themselves in the pleasing and well-known physiognomies of Messrs O'Conor and Cnrtis, it is not needful at present to say much. The whole extent of evil which the latter could work is already known, and has been felt for years past, arising almost entirely from sins of omisson on his part, whereby the progress of the Coast has been materially retarded. On the other hand, it is admitted that he has no lack of ability where his will is once set; he is a man of some standing in the colony, and competent to do battle on behalf of his princedom against all comers in the Assembly. Of Mr Eugene O'Conor, we have as yet had no trial as an administrator. As a legislator he has now been some years before the public, and thus an opportunity has been affoided of forming some estimate as to the breadth of his intellect, and the extent to which he is likely to promote interests committed to his charge. There is one very strong point in is favor, which we must not omit to mention, and that is if elected, he will be a kind of domestic calamity, in consequence of his being a resident upon the Coast. This, indeed, seems to be his principal recommendation, for we are very sure that unless he belonged to the Coast his personal qualifications, however great, are not such as would gain him a second hearing front a West Coast audience. [nelson colonist.] So far as wo are yet informed, Mr Curtis and Mr O'Conor are the only candidates, and the consequence is that a large body of electors in all parts of the Province look forward to the contest with undisguised dissatisfaction. Ample time will be afforded for discussing the merits of the two gentlemen already before the public, but,

whatever their qualifications for the coveted post, they have neither, apparently, the support of anything approaching a majority. The energy of Mr O'Conor is a quality in which his competitor is so lamentably wanting, that many are inclined to look kindly on one so abundantly endowed, though not prepared to tender their support. Meanwhile, if the province is to be afforded any further choice, we can only say, those who take due interest in public affairs should be up and doing, The day of nomination will soon be here, and any lagging beyond that fatal term will find the satisfactory administration of the next four years reduced to an issue too narrow to satisfy those whose prosperity is at stake. There seems, from a rumor that has reached us, still to be some hope of another nomination, and, if confirmed, the vast numbers who have declared their intention of not voting will be able to concentrate their efforts in favor of one who is Relieved to be approved by a majority of the electors, instead of being compelled to look on at a conflict in which neither of the candidates could enlist their sympathies.