The Evening Star. MONDAY, JUNE 26, 1871.

Auckland Star, Volume II, Issue 455, 26 June 1871, Page 2

The Evening Star. MONDAY, JUNE 26, 1871.

Ok the election of secretary, and treasurer to the Harbour Board we have , already expressed our opinion. We W no fault to find with the gentleman elected, but we do not like°t o see tiorir CCeBBJ ulin Public iasti^ ouvdiSt J 6 d\ not like t0 conceal our dislike for such manoeuvring Tn

should possess the confidence and the favour of the majority; and the want of this must place a secretary m a very invidious position. The gentleman elected, we have no doubt, is deserving both of the confidence and the favour of the majority of the Harbour Board. But it is very evident that he did not receive their votes. We do not enter on the .question of how or why this occurred, but it is generally known that only the four members who voted for him on the occasion desired his election, and that nine were opposed to the appointment. In such circumstances the decision, as it ought to be, is to be reviewed, and if Mr. Ogilrie is again elected to the position by a majority of members, we shall feel much satisfaction ; and we shall offer him our congratulations. But against his occupying office on such a vote as that obtained at the late election we have protested, and do still protest. If the Harbour Board ■has been unwittingly drawn into an error, it ia honourable and straightforward to repair the mistake. . If^the election has been a correct expression of the will of the Board, no evil can be done, and the gentleman elected will feel that he has a much firmer seat in the saddle, and that,his relations with the Board are much more likely to be of a friendly character. To such a course as that indicated we cannot see how any members of the Board can make valid objection ; for if the election has been carried by a ruse, no gentlemen who held the honorable position of conservators of the important interests of the public in the matter of harbour endowm.en.ts, would advocate thai; advantage should be taken of it. This is a wholly defferent matter from an election of representatives to Parliament, or any other deliberative body. In such election 3vr-ry thing is fair..; But in the election of a gentleman to administer such an important office as that of,the treasurer and secretary to the Harbour Board, it is essential that the officer should hold his position with the approval of the majority. This is not a matter in which private feelings can be tolerated. The interests of the public are in the hands of the Board, aud should be regarded as sacred. We trust that the iutentiou of reviewing the late decision will be carried out, and that whosoever may receive the appointment will represent the true feelings of the Harbour Board.