The Clutha Leader. BALCLUTHA : FRIDAY, MARCH 15, 1878.

Clutha Leader, Volume IV, Issue 192, 15 March 1878, Page 5

The Clutha Leader. BALCLUTHA : FRIDAY, MARCH 15, 1878.

The time has again arrived when it becomes necessary to give attention to the compilation of the electoral rolls of the country. In past years great difficulty has been experienced in getting* those qualified to have their names placed upon these rolls to take any personal trouble in the matter, and the conse- [ quence is that many who have a stake in the country, and who ought to have a voice in the election of its legislators, have found themselves debarred from the privilege. During the excitement of a contested election great chagrin is felt by this class at the isolated position in which they find themselves placed, and strong resolutions are formed as to what they will do when the proper time shall again arrive for enrolment. The election excitement passes away and although the time, place, and mode of enrolment is pointed out, and tbe duty urged upon tbem, a spirit of procrastination again holds sway, and they are found enquiring hither and thither after an application form when the time for lodging tho same .has just passed for another twelve months. Upon making this discovery their surprise, disappointment, and self-accusations are great for the time being. They, however, -console themselves with the reflection " that it cannot be^ helped, they will take better care next time," but when another opportunity is afforded the same procrastination prevails and the same, results ensue. We say that such has been the. case with many in the past, but we believe an interest has been awakened in the mind of the great body of the people in matters political, that will secure more attention bei;-g given to enrolment. The practical assertion of the rights of the people in the neighbouring Colony of .Victoria has opened the eyes of the public here to the fact that by the due exercise of the political privileges conferred upon them by law they can take the control of the affairs of the country into tbeir own hands, and compel the passing of such measures with reference to taxation, representation, and kindred subjects as will secure equal rights, equal opportunities, and equal burdens to all. Never before in the history of the Colon}* were the circumstances so favourable -to the attainment of these objects as at the present lime. No doubt in the early dnvs we had good and honest men at the head of affairs, but the people were apathetic ; they were dead or indifferent to their political interests, and allowed these gradually to pass into the hands of selfish and designing men, or mere political adventurers, who used the influence of their positions to gratify their own ambition and vanity, and enrich a class at the expense of the great body of the public. To such an extent has this been the case that it is felt if this country is ever to be great, prosperous, and free, it can only be through a radical change of politicians, and by enacting measures of a more liberal nature than have been placed upon the statute book of late years. The power of the wealthy, the bill discounter, and the monopolist has too long prevailed. We believe it is now to be overthrown by the irresistible voice of the people. Of late years it, has been the practice for Premiers and Ministers to consult only the ring, to open their ears only to the opinions and suggestions of the class whose interests they sought to advance. Upon such information they judged, and declared it to be the voice of the country ! They could not degrade themselves and their i high positions by consulting the " common herd " and when public sentiment was honestly and loudly proclaimed in the Press and through every available channel, they, for the time being having the reins of government and the control of the public purse, turned a deaf* ear to warning and remonstrance until that public sentiment was enforced and they were cast out of office. A very different course has

been adopted by Sir George Grey. He has travelled the country both north and south, has met and consulted with and unfolded his plans to all classes of the people, and these have met with universal approbation. In Sir George Grey the people of this Colony feel they, have not only a gentleman by birth and culture, but one of sterlinghonesty and of lifelong* experience in public affairs. They know his voice has ever been raised and his efforts directed solely for the public good, and that if he has one great aim in life it is to see the people of New Zealand a great, prosperous, and happy people. They respect and revere him, and willingly ..cpnjjde to him their .best interests. So "far well. We believe they will find, and that shortly, that he is worthy of such reverence and confidence. But what we want at present to impress upon all is that a mere popular demonstration, however enthusiastic and universal, is not. the effective mode of supporting Sir George Grey or of securing that those beneficial measures he purposes introducing will be given effect to. It is for everyone to place himself in a position to be able to j record his vote at the polling-booth in j his favour or in favour of those who will give him their support; To' be able

to do this they must haxe their names placed upon the electoral roll, and this must be done before the end of the present month. We can scarcely conceive that any in this district can feel indifferent upon thie subject, and we trust to see large additions made to the roll this season. We shall give full information as to qualification, &c, in next issue.