The Bruce Herald. "Nemo me impune lacesset." TOKOMAIRIRO, MAY 26, 1876.

Bruce Herald, Volume IX, Issue 806, 26 May 1876, Page 5

The Bruce Herald. "Nemo me impune lacesset." TOKOMAIRIRO, MAY 26, 1876.

A tew weeks ago we drew attention to the fact tbat Mr W. A. Murray, the member for Bruce in the House of Representatives, had disposed of the valuable property formerly held by him in this part of the Colony, having become the fortunate possessor of a large and valuable block of land in the Piakor district iv the North Island, where in future be intended to reside. At tbat time we were aware tbat a number of persons who used to rank amongst Mr Murray's warmest supporters bad changed their opinions regarding him — not tbat he bad done anything to forfeit their confidence or respect, but because, at the present juueture of political affairs, they considered it a matter of importance that the district of Bruce should be represented in Parliament by a man whose interests were identical with those of bis constituents. Tbat feeling has gained ground since Aye first referred to the matter ; and, although no public action has yet been taken by the electors, we believe tbat there exists a strong desire that Mr Murray should resign bis seat without delay. AYe have never professed to admire Mr Murray as a politician, and before the late elections we expressed an opinion tbat it would be easy to find a man better qualified in every way to represent the district, so that iv urging the propriety of bis resignation at the present time we shall doubtless be accused of eutertainiug a personal animosity towards the honorable member for Bruce. We can only state tbat in the past we have opposed Mr Murray on purely political grouuds, while now we cannot help supporting those who think tbat bis sense of the duty be owes to bis constituents should cause him to resign bis seat, and give them an opportunity of putting some local man in bis place. The electors of Bruce have been told that they are favored mortals in having a man of such transcendent genius as Mr Murray for their representative in Parliament; only a few months ago Sir George Grey's voice quivered with emotion as be told bow upon one or two occasions Mr Murray bad saved his party by the exercise of his wonderful oratorical powers and fertility of mind. We must express our regret tbat we are still uuappreciative of the benefit tbe district is to derive from tbe fact of its being represented by a man whose interests are identical with those of the party we have most cause to fear iv tbe coming political struggle, even though such a man may have all tbe ability and influence Mr Murray has been said to possess. In fact, we could bear the loss of our William Archibald without a si#h or a tear, and we are sure tbat a large number of persons in this constituency would, under tbe circumstances, exhibit similar fortitude, were tbe member for Bruce to determine to offer bis valuable services to any one of tbe many districts whose inhabitants envy us tbe possession of such a representative. Parting with him would indeed be "sweet sorrow" — tbe sweeter, as more certain appeared tbe probability tbat "we ne'er should look upon his like again."