"THE HOUR AND THE MAN."

Daily Southern Cross, Volume XXIII, Issue 3017, 28 March 1867, Page 6

" THE HOUR AND THE MAN."

To the Editor of the Daily Southern C«os». Sir,— The day and the hour are both drawing nigh when the electors of the province will require again to make a selection of a Superintendent or Chief Magistrate for the province. In the columns of your valuable paper, the Daily Southern Cross, you have advocated the country districts taking the initiative (seeing the general apathy of the pity),' learning the views of the constituency, and introducing and bringing forward some popular and honourable man as Superintendent, in whom all classes of the community could repose confidence. The failures of our Superintendents have chiefly arisen from obstinately riding their hobbies, and experimenting with, the provincial funds — sometimes without vote or appropriation. These acts hare been usually condoned in subsequent sessions of the Council. For the future the new Superintendent must refrain from spending sums of money other than as allowed by the Appropriation Act and the rotes of the Council. From the report of the meeting at Otahuhu, and the discussion on the Superintendency question, we must hope that the agricultural interest in the Tamaki district will either produce or suggest the coining man. It appears certain that Mr. Williamson has been early in the field, probably gaining intelligence from his Honor the Superintendent that he wa» desirous of handing over the reins of the Provincial Coach, being "weary and old with service," and finding he must now settle down "to the mercy of the rude stream that must for ever hide " him. So wrote our great bard, who had a perfect knowledge of human nature, and such must be the fate of all those who aspire to elevated position, who have not tne manliness, courage, and firmness to walk a. straight, honourable, and true course through life. Kecollect, then, that all depends upon your selection of your chief officer, and the harmonious working of the Provincial Council, as long as we have Superintendents and Councils ; and that the weal or woe of this, fair land depends chiefly on the energy snd united action of all classes and masses, whether they consist of merchant!, landed proprietors, farmers, or settlers, of this province. Let us combine then for a healthy action. . Appeal in all cases to Wellington is useless and fruitless. Let our houses be put in order j our cry for the future, retrenchment and reform, with better internal government. Elect an honourable man your Superintendent, one who is not trammelled by the General Government or by other parties, cliques, or clanships j and though we are at present deaponding and downcast from the pressure of the times and the dishonesty of some, it is to be hoped that ere long our troubles may be dispelled like snow befote tne genial influence of the aun. — I am, &c., Pbovinoiai..