THE CHRISTCHURCH NORTH ELECTION.

Press, Volume LXII, Issue 12364, 1 December 1905, Page 10

THE CHRISTCHURCH NORTH ELECTION.

TO THE EDITOR OF "THE MIESS/' Sir, —After mature consideration ond earnestly-studiwl deliberation, it pleased both Houses of Parliament, in the interests of the peoplo of tho colony, to revi.<e the boundaries of the variQiis electorates, and so clearly define them, as to render each electorate perfectly independent cf the other: thus bringing tlie electors more in touch with those ihey may elect to represent them in Parliament. Each electorate may now be considered a small state or commune, possessing power (political) to -act or move quite independently; to select, and elect, its own representative to Parliament, the xinie as every ward in tho city elects it., own councillor to represent them, and look after their interests in tho Council. This should be most clearly understood: as tho electors have the power, they should select tho most fitting person domiciled in the electorate to represent them, a person whose interests as well as his home, nre in the electorate, and >are in sympathy with tho healthy and sound progress of tho colony as a unit. Jn this respect Christchurch North is most happily situated. It possesses a gentleman in the person of Mr C. M. Gray, competent, willing, tried, matured; of many noble parts; skilled in civic and politioal economy, trained in the school of healthy progress and sound policy, and possessing a record second to nono in the colony for stability, firmness, kindness and benevolence, Mr -Gray is no misanthropist. Ho is not ono of that class of men •who would go to any extreme, however humiliating, to gain his own selfish ends—Mr Gray is on© of those men who light fair, and would eoorn to go behind any barricade or fortification of privilege to strike a blow or secure an end, but •with a cloan tongue, puro design, nn honest heart and gentlemanly mien, lie marches on to victory, or in a graceful and manly manner accepts his defeat. However much we may respect our neighbours, however much we may honour candidates from abroad, who arc.said to bo pure, godly men, conscientious, charitable, meek, forgiving, unselfish, benevolent, 6e!f-sacnJEtcing, masters of political economy, elegant in parts, refined in language, and paragons of excellence, we are bound by every principle of logical reasoning, ana in justice to oui-selves,- to honour ono who has lived in our very midst for moro than twenty years, and who has on many occasions during thoso years proved himself worthy of the confidence wo have reposed in him, and discharged his duties to our satisfaction. Sir, to my mind, the electors of Christohurch North will make a great mistake, and retard the progress .of a pure, sound, progressive policy, liberal and effective, if they do not return Mr Gray at tho head of the poll. From facts that have come under my notice, permit mc to state that it is not wise for any person or class or persons to attempt to make their cause good by painting others black. There nre too many glass houses in our midst for anyone to sling stones, and the more manly and womanly parties conduct themselves the more will it be to their credit. t

It is to be feared that many who ■write letters and mask their identity behind various pseudonyms or noms do plume (in a campaign liko the present) have more than ono object in view—an object they do not care to bo brought face to face with. Anonymous letters under such circumstances emit a most unsavoury odour, and do not tend to elevate the writer or favourably impress tho reader. It is much bettor to make one good mnnly point than to throw a ton of mud, for it. generally ends in diu-t.

Mr Gray is a total abstainer, and has told the temperance people on many occasions that his sympathies aro with their cause. _ This should satisfy any reasonable mind.

Mr Gray has clearly and emphatically stated that ho will not support a vote! of no-confidence in the Government. So those of us who believe in the Government and tho good work it has done and is doing, ehculd be satisfied' under the circumstances, and accord ! him our hearty support. It is 6aid that publicans nnd the Opposition are giving Mr Gray their support and attend his' meetings and occupy seats en the platform at his meetings.; Well, why should they not? Let mo inform the person who has stolen the name of a most honourable and numerous association, that of~ "Gocd Templar" (for that is tho norn de plume taken), we are glad to see publicans nt our meetings and on our platforms, and wo believe th© more we oan induce them to attend our meetings and give ns their attention and votes, the sooner will we be able to impress our truths upon their minds and win them over to our way of thinking. For "Good Templar" must remember that thousands of votes have been given for No-license by men who are not total abstainers. It is, therefore, not only unwise, but hurtful to the cause for -writers to thus express themselves. Such manifestations of bitterness and virulence have done much to retard tlie development of sound and healthy progressive total abstinence, and caused many who were almost persuaded" to join us to pause before associating with men of such unsatisfactory parts. Manly conduct, sound ergument, a loving charity, and a disposition to see ourselves as others see us, and a determination to owe no man anything but love, will do much to brighten virtue, and bring success to the cause of Temperance.

My sympathies are with Mr Seddon and his" Government, a Government which has done much for the people of this colony, and furnished many object lessons which other countries would do well to copy. My sympathies, are with Mr C. M. Gray for tho reasons above stated. My hope for the success of total abstinence and other kindred social reforms rests with tho wisdom of the people, and a disposition on their part to select and return men to Parliament who -will kindly, gracefully end honestly work for those measures which will bring the greatest happiness, liberty and security, to the people, a_y_ the highest honour to tho colony in the eyes of the world.—Yours sincerely, CHARLES JAMES RUSSELL, M.D. November 27th. 9