COUNTY ELECTIONS.

Cromwell Argus, Volume IX, Issue 471, 19 November 1878, Page 5

COUNTY ELECTIONS.

The 13th instant decided who are to be the representatives of the County tax-payers for the next three years. That the selection as a whole has been a wise one we are not disposed to dispute ; but we confess that the accession of a little more fresh blood would, in our opinion, have induced a healthier circulation in the body politic. It is noteworthy that for the original ridings in every instance have the old member’s been returned; in two of the divisions recently proclaimed—Hawea and Dunstan—do fresh members appear. In only* three of the ridings was the representation disputed—giving evidence either of considerable apathy on the part of the bulk of electors, or of entire satisfaction with the past actions of the late members. We incline to the latter view of the matter, strengthened no doubt by the fact that the time necessary to give proper attention to the duties is not at every man’s command, however eligible he may be in other respects. The gentlemen who have been returned are perhaps as good a selection as could well have been made. The old members have proved themselves equal to the task they have undertaken, while the newly-elected ones are known to be shrewd, intelligent men who will soon acquire that knowledge their colleagues have learnt by experience. Not the least pleasing feature of the new Council will be its thorough representative character, it being so constituted as to prevent a preponderating influence in any one direction. The leading interests will be represented at the board, and thus a guarantee be afforded that all appropriations will be dealt with fairly and justly. As we

have already said, then, the elections have placed men in power whose judgment and impartiality we do not think there will be much reason to question. Of the elections themselves, that for Kawarau. Riding was the most noteworthy, by reason of several special features. First among these is the fact that this riding is, as a voting power, the most influential in the County, and in no section is there more general and intelligent political life. The Bannockburn has always been a centre carefully looked after by candidates for political honors, it being recognised that its weight in the scale means success. Such a stronghold, then, was not likely to be overlooked by a veteran politician like Mr Vincent Pyke, and his debut as a County Councillor was on behalf of that constituency, not a voice being raised in opposition to him on that occasion. Since that time of popularity, events have transpired in Mr Pyke’s public career that have rendered his name notorious not only within the County, but very far beyond its bounds. It is not, however, our intention to at present lift the curtain and expose the skeleton behind. Various efforts have been made by Mr Pyke and his friends to clothe the objectionable figure in presentable garments, hoping that Time might kindly do the rest. Well, Time has to a considerable extent mollified the bitterness engendered by Mr Pyke’s action, the consequences of which have been more serious to himself than to others. The contest of Wednesday last at Bannockburn recalls to mind a good many stirring scenes that have been enacted in that electorate since it called Mr Pyke its member, and the kaleidoscope has displayed not a few variations in the political picture. First, bitter anti-Pyke ; then, divided on the Pyke-Stout question; and anon reverting to Pyke principles. Cromwell, too, suffered a series of revulsions, and some who ostracized the recalcitrant councillor are now to be found condoning the past in view of the future. But why dwell on the subject? Columns might be written on what has been said and what done in this connection, but cui hono ? It may adorn a tale some day, but already has it pointed a moral. That moral is to be found in the narrow escape Mr Pyke has had from a most stinging defeat on the Bannockburn. Opposed by a candidate whose presence as such was not certainly known until the day of nomination, and who, although personally respected as a gentleman, yet had to fight against the popular prejudice attached to the pursuits of a squatter, Mr Pyke only managed to regain his seat by two votes. To the great majority of people outside the Kawarau Riding the announcement was almost incredible, and Mr Pyke may thank his good fortune that it was so, as, had it been for a moment thought Mr Cowan would have stood so well on the poll, distance nor discomfort would have prevented him having a majority. It was only the supposed hopelessness of Mr Cowan’s chance that led to his defeat, and this feeling was in a great measure brought about by the extreme quietness of his candidature. As it is, the local candidate has every reason to be proud of the position he attained against a man like Mr Pyke, than whom few know better how to turn to advantage every point, and whose personal canvass among the voters no doubt had its effect. Whether to Mr Pyke the result is gratifying in any degree we cannot say, but we do say that the expression of the ballot has been such as should lead that gentleman to keep a very strict eye on his future public acts. He cannot afford to trifle with the people, and the time may come at any moment when he will be called to account, and not have the advantage of even a questionable victory. Public meetings may be swayed, and a favorable verdict secured for the time, but the ballot is the true test of popular opinion, and its verdict is final. Mr Pyke has been taught that the Bannockburn is a pocket-borough for no man, and that according to his deeds will its member be judged. It is to be hoped the lesson will not be lost on him. For the riding of Matakanui the contest virtually lay between Mr Greenbank and Mr Chappie, the third candidate, Mr Rivers, having, only one vote recorded in his favor. That Mr Greenbank should have been run within five votes caused some surprise, as he has been recognised as one of the most practical and painstaking members of the old Council—a man whose opinions were never expressed until after due consideration, and therefore carried a deserved influence. Without disparaging his rival in any way, we are glad to see Mr Greenbank in his old place, as he is one of those sort of men who act as ballast in a public body, and are often the means of preventing foolish designs being carried into execution. Of the choice for Dunstan riding, it was only to be looked for that the recentlymerged borough of Clyde would be true to an old and tried public servant like Mr Naylor, and to Clyde is due in a great measure his election over Mr Feraud, a gentleman who has long identified himself with the progress of the Dunstan district. Mr Naylor should be able to bring to bear on the deliberations of the Council a good deal of practical ability. Altogether we think the members elected are capable of maintaining the local government at a high standard, and should reflect credit upon themselves as well as give satisfaction to the ratepayers. The following shows the result of the elections : Hawea.— Mr T. A. Fraser (new member). Lindis. —Mr C. Colclough (re-elected). Glutha,. —Mr D. A. Jolly (re-elected).

Kawarau. —Mr V. Pyke (re-elected), 76 ; Mr J. Cowan, 74.

Nevis. —Mr W. W. Masters (re-elected). Dunstan. —Mr B. Naylor (new member), 90 ; Mr J. D. Feraud, 55. Eamscleugh, —Mr M. J. M‘Ginness (reelected). Manuherikia. —Mr J. Pitches (re-elected). Matakanui. —Mr W. Greenbank (reelected), 49 ; Mr J. G, Chappie, 44 ; Mr J. Rivers, 1.