The Evening Star. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 21, 1870.

Auckland Star, Volume I, Issue 245, 21 October 1870, Page 2

The Evening Star.

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 21, 1870.

The retirement of Mr. Clark from the candidature for City East has, we presume, left a " walk-over " for the Colonial Treasurer. But in the strong desire evinced by the constituents for having Mr. Vogel as their representative in Parliament, there is no expression of disrespect to the late member who Las so long and faithfully served this city. Mr. Clark's voice may not have been heard so often in debate as other members of tlje House, but even his enemies, if he have any, must acknowledge that in those influences which are often more potent than the wranglings of debate, he has done the work of a good and faithful member. Hard working on committees, interested and intelligent on every question that came under consideration, he has in that quiet, unobtrusive way, not in public, but in private debate, the influence of which is known to Parliament men, impressed his views on the legislation of the country ; and many a member on whose eloquence the listening house has waited, has got the credit of ideas not his own, derived from this source. A good aad faithful citizen of Auckland, and ever wakeful to the interest of the city, Mr. Clark has lost none of the esteem and confidence of those friends who have stood by him in previous election times. But the opportunity of having an influential Executive Minister was irresistible, and constituencies are invariably selfish. And we have no hesitation in saying that a large number who signedjthat overwhelming requisition to Mr. Vogel did so with a feeling of pain, and sincere regret that it must seem like a reflection on Mr. Clark. Mr. Clark appears to have previously entertained desires of retiring from public life, so that m his withdrawal from a contest he experiences no pain. But we believe it would be a source of general regret iv the city should he carry those desires into effect. His experience, and faithfulness, and general worth in all relating to parliamentary proceedings, cannot -'be spared in the new House of Re-

presentatives. And, in an Assembly where there will neces arily be such a large proportion of raw recruits practising the" goose-step in debate, the influence of experience and prudence will be invaluable. We believe we but give expression to a general feeling when we hope that a movement may be set on foot for returning Mr. Clark to Parliament The district of Eden has been represented by a gentleman whose interests and residence are now in a Southern Province, and the Auckland Province cannot afford to commit its interests to the care of other than the true sons of Auckland. In the Eden district, and with those having interests there, Mr. Clark is exceedingly esteemed, and we are confident that a requisition to him would, in that elccto rate, receive such an amount of support as would ensure his return.