The Lyttelton Times. October 9, 1852.

Lyttelton Times, Volume II, Issue 92, 9 October 1852, Page 6

The Lyttelton Times. October 9, 1852.

" We are at present labouring under the overpowering weight of stagnation. The absence of arrivals from England and the neighbouring colonies has placed us quite hors de combat as to external news, Avhilst our own community remains unagitated by the slightest incident. There is, however, a subject upon which, we think, it is time that the people should begin to bestir themselves—we mean as to looking about for proper and eligible persons to represent their interests in the General and Provincial Councils of New Zealand and Canterbury. Up to the present time we have not heard of any steps being taken to effect these most necessary proceedings, but it is high time, we think, that something should be decided upon; else, we shall be justly charged with indifference. The other settlements have not been so lax, for invitations have been sent to, and an-

swers returned by many gentlemen, who have expressed their willingness to attend the proposed Provincial Councils of Sir George Grey ; and, though these Councils have been rendered nugatory by the Constitution brought in by Sir John Pakington, yet these settlements have their Members ready to return so soon as the Bill is received by the Governor and promulgated, which may be expected to happen at an early .period. We are justified, therefore, in saying that the time for action has arrived, and that the people should be up and stirring to prove by their acts that they are not indifferent to, or regardless of the civic privileges which are now for the first time about being placed in their hands. The.first, General Council of New Zealand will be an important one—important not alone for the great interests then to be discussed, but also, because the intellect of Canterbury will be pitted against that of five other Settlements, and it behoves us to see that we return men qualified in every degree to take part in the mental conflict of debate, and to maintain the renown and credit of the youngest Settlement of these Islands. Character and position should be looked to, and men returned who have not only a deep stake in the material interests of the Colony, but who are prepared also to advocate and carry out the fundamental principles upon which it is founded, so far, at least, as those principles can be carried out, aided by the experience we now possess. We earnestly hope that none will be found wanting in this respect—that none will allow their private affairs to interfere with public duties, and that, should they be called upon by their fellow colonists to stand as their Representatives, they will allow themselves to be nominated and returned, even at the risk of some inconvenience to themselves. If not, others less qualified and less devoted to the interests of the colony will usurp their places, and the unseemly spectacle will be witnessed of the province of Canterbury, the most energetic in the struggle for the advent of freedom, following in the wake—not proudly striving to lead the van of the Parliament of New Zealand.