THE GENERAL ELECTION.

Evening Post, Volume XXII, Issue 98, 24 October 1881, Page 3

THE GENERAL ELECTION.

TO THE EDITOR OF THE EVENING POST. Sib — In the former letter yon kindly found room for, I asked whether the Wellington electors would be satisfied, at this important crisis, with a eimplo attendance at meetings called by the candidates themselves ; for I am of opinion that no discussion properly 80-called can take place at such meetings. It is not fair that it should be so, even would time allow of its being done. The candidate pays for the use of the room, and either he or his friends take precious good care to aecuro a good attendance of his pledged supporters and friends. Why, even at last Thursday night's meeting, the chairman, Mr. John Plimmer, itold one, if not all, of his political ohildren that, in putting a question to Mr. Edward Stafford, he must be careful to ask tho question only, and not to make any remarks. Well, sir, it appears to ue that if the electors of Wellington are willing that no more public discussion should take place than such as that, they will be looked upon by the other electors in New Zealand as not only Plimmer's po itical children, but actually " Political bomidiots." I theretore would earnestly urge my fellow Bottlers to organise a public meeting or a series of public meetings to diecuaa tho present position of the oolony, the best policy to adopt for tho future, and in conclusion, which of the candidates now before the different electoral districts of the oity, are most deserving of their support. Wellington has lost its once proud political preeminonce by the absence of its former public aotivity and intelligence, and in order to regain that, and to recall its lo3t material prosperity and better days, it is necessary, if possible, it should bo again exhibited. Never before in its history has it appeared to mo bo desirable that tho people should insist on having its voice heard, and to select the best men to represent them. Look at the deserted state of our streets, shops, and other places »f business, and above all look at tho steamers and the Bhips that art constantly leaving, carrying away many of our best men ; yet too frequently leaving their wives and children behind them. Reflect on the disasters and rnin of the past three years that have vißitod us. "With so favoured a country, blessed as it is with an unsurpassed climate, a gloriously productive soil, and an intelligent and industrious people, how is it, I ask, that, after more than 40 years of its existence, there are so many hard-working, energetic and careful men aro being pinched to find means for a bare living, whilst hundreds are suffering actual distress and privation ? There appears but one answer, and that is, expensive and extravagant Governments with bad and wicked legislation in the past. Let all be done that can be to ensure the return of " good men and true," who will put an end to partial land laws, assist to create fairer taxation, and generally to bring about a better and more equitable state of things than now exist. I trust that Borne action will b* taken, and that quickly. Perhaps the best course would be for soma electors to convene a public meeting. The Mayor can hardly be asked to convene it, as he is one of the candidates himself, but candidates may and should be asked to meet their fellow eleotors, after the first preliminary meeting is held. I am, &c, An Elector. 24th Ootober, 1881.