The Lyttelton Times

Lyttelton Times, Volume II, Issue 98, 20 November 1852, Page 6

The Lyttelton Times

November 20, 1852. The near approach of Representative Institutions is creating a certain sensation in the settlement. Mr. Brittan and Mr. Fitzgerald have already announced their intention to be put in nomination as Representatives for the General Assembly, and Captain Simeon and Mr, Wakefield are also in the field for the same honour. Air. Stod-

dart, we regret to find, has declined a requisition to stand for the Christchurch District, partly on account of ignorance of the routine of public business—a plea which from his acknowledged abilities and colonial experience can hardly hold good, as it might with equal validity be urged as disqualifying others in the present state of the colony.'..''''

For the office .of Superintendent Mr. Fitzgerald is as yet the sole Candidate. At the meeting of the Christchurch Colonists' Society, however, on Monday, a requisition was signed with the object of bringing forward Mr. Tancred for the office, which we understand that gentleman is prepared to accept. An active canvass is being entered into on his behalf, and any influence the Christchurch Society may be supposed to possess, -will doubtless be exercised on behalf of ■their Chairman. With the claims and views of Mr. Fitzgerald the public are acquainted through his address, and Mr. Tancred will, no doubt, seek an early opportunity of communicating his. Until these are proclaimed, the Electors will not be disposed, we apprehend, to decide in favour of either gentleman ; bat will calmly and deliberately weigh their respective eligibility, apart from personal considerations, and select the one who has the greater claim on their consideration from past services rendered to the ■colony. ' We anticipate some diversity of opinion as to whether the Superintendents should sit in the General Assembly. Mr. Fitzgerald has expressed a deliberate opinion that they should, and has assigned his reasons. These reasons have been criticised by Mr. Wakefield who expresses a contrary opinion at considerable length; but it must be borne in mind that Mr. Fitzgerald does not assume that the Superintendents should be elected for the Avhole term of the General Assembly, but should attend as Members at the first Session in order that there may be a mutual understanding as to the manner and spirit in which the new machine is to be put in motion. We entertain a similar opinion, and anticipate a beneficial result from its adoption ; and no jealousy of too much power being temporarily invested in the person of one Individual should be allowed to carry any weight, when a question of such importance as the office and duties of Superintendent is to be determined. We had almost forgotten to mention that there is another reason for the Electors refraining at present from promising their votes, as we understand that a gallant Commissioner who possesses the confidenceof the people of Akaroa, intends offering his inexperience to the notice of the public, which he considers as in no way disqualifying him for the office of Superintendent.