RE SIR ROBERT STOUT’S ELECTION.

Evening Star, Issue 7337, 8 October 1887, Page 1 (Supplement)

RE SIR ROBERT STOUT’S ELECTION.

TO THE EDITOB. Sir, —lt does not say much for a section of the people of Dunedin, who, after misrepresenting, abusing, and employing every means in their power to knock a man down, must turn round and kick him after he is down. But it is like all Conservative communities, to show no quarter. Sir Robert Stout has been most shamefully treated. A man whose only aim was to elevate and help the struggling masses of the people of New Zealand to gain a livelihood and homes for their families. What is his reward ? Abuse. It is the fate of everyone who attempts to do good for poor humanity— vide lUr Gladstone. And the motto of that class is to crush the weak; and never, never no, never—let them rise to knowledge and independence; to thwart every good measure for their advancement.

I do not see why Mr Allen's supporters and Committee should bo so jubilant over a majority of twenty-nine, when tho means to accomplish that end arc iaken into consideration. It is all very well for Mr Allen and some of his Buppoiters to say that the reason why they seceded from him was on account of his partnership with Sir Julius Vogel, and the statement of the Estimates. They must think that the electors are vory much devoid of brains and power not to see through their shallow device. Every independent and honest man in Dunedin East voted for Sir R. Stout, and would have taken any odds that he would get in. It was that security in his popularity with the electors was a factor in his defeat, besides a large number not voting, and the day being so boisterous. I loam since that a number who did not vote gave their reason that the day being so wet and tho certainty of Sir R. Stout 'getting in made them careless to venture out, thought one vote did not matter, and so on. If he wore to go to the poll to-morrow he would go in flying. I only hope Sir Robert will reconsider his decision and accept another seat. He could not triumph over his persecutors and enemies, or annoy them more than by so doing, —lam, etc., W.B.J. North-east Valley, October 4. [Our correspondent will, wo feel sure, thank us for striding out the exceedingly personal parts of bis letter. This subject has been well ventilated, and therefore our columns are now closed to it.—in, E.S.]