OPINIONS OF THE PRESS.

Inangahua Times, Volume VIII, Issue 1275, 23 May 1883, Page 2

OPINIONS OF THE PRESS.

{Went Coast Time*.) The polling for the Inangahua election has taken place ,the result of which has been eagerly looked for throughout the Colony. The dearth just now of political excitement has contributed to fix attention on this contest, and the anxiety of the Government for Mr Shaw's return, has also had its effect in attracting public interest. The majority for Mr Shaw in the whole electorate is 42, and considering that he had the advantage over his opponent of having been a resident in the district for years, the defeat is not one of which Mr Wakefield or his friends need be ashamed. The return of Mr Shaw will be taken as a marked triumph for the Government, and by a Government, too, which has shown little consideration for the mining interest! It is noticeable that the Wellington Evening Post, a paper which is often inspired by the Government, has delivered of a long article in favor of Mr Shaw's candidature. Our contemporary begins by damning Mr Wakefield with faint praise. The ex-mem-ber for Geraldine is made to appear a very ordinary individual indeed, a fluent speaker certainly, but by no mean a genius. How differently was the Post wQnt to speak of the " magnificent" oartor, Mr Wakefield, when that brilliant but eccentric legislator, was thundering forth menaces against Sir George Grey, and generally doing work for the Hall Ministry, which no member of that body was able to execute in a fairly satisfactory manner. Now, however, the" Post has changed its time. Mr Shaw is epoken of as a most wonderful judge and magistrate, and a barrister of striking attainments. But the real reason which the Post gives for inviting the electors of Inangahua to return Mr Shaw is contained, like a. lady's postscript, at the end of its article. Mr Shaw's return, says our contemporary, practically means " another member for Wellington." Such an argument ought to comeback on the Inangahua electors, who, we contended from the first, had no occasion to cry aloud on the hill tops of Wellington, or on the plains of Canterbury for a member to represent them in ParJ&njßiit. \lr Shaw will simply remain a Wellington resident and a puppet in the hands, of the Government. His defeated would at least have been more independent. The excitement of the election being over, let us hope the better choice has beeu made, which time can prove.

The Inangahua election which is proceeding to-day is exciting keen interest in the district and is watched with a considerable amount of curiosity, if not of anxiety, from Wellington. The residents in that city would very much like to have another Wellington man, such as Mr Shaw, in the House to back them up when any matter of local interest is at stake, and the Government would feel far more comfortable with a decided supporter like Mr Shaw elected than if such a thorn in their sides as Mr Wakefield would bo were he returned. Opinions appear to be pretty equally divided as to the probable result, if we may judge from our exchangos published in the district

, The Inangahua electors also may be congratulated on having secured an excellent, member. And, lastly, Wellington has reason to rejoice and be exceedingly glad over a result which gives her an additional representative — and a very able one too— in Parliament, instead of placing one of her bitterest foes in this position of potency for good or evil.