THE COMING ELECTIONS.

Lyttelton Times, Volume XVII, Issue 982, 9 April 1862, Page 3

THE COMING ELECTIONS.

To the Editor, of the Lyttelton Times. Sir, —As a constant reader of your valuable paper, allow me to say, I think the public of this province are under a debt of obligation to you, and you have a claim to their continued confidence and support, for the manly, open, and judicious manner, —with, I think, hardly any exception—in which you have treated the various subjects affecting the prosperity of the province, as also for opening your columns and giving others the opportunity of expressing their opinions also. As we are on the eve of a general election, would you give me space for a few thoughts which may be useful at the present time to those whose duty it is to send representatives to the new Council. I would here say it is to be regretted that forms of application to qualify electors had not been widely spread, as many who have not qualified would have done so, could they have got a form without travelling several miles for it lam afraid this will apply to. several parts of the province. It is to be hoped that the great subject of all the banter last session, (Eailway), by, it would seem, a factious opposition, will now be shelved, and the electors will do their duty by sending men to the new Council who will not waste their time by worse than useless resoluions. Ido not think that all opposition,is wrong; instead of that I hold, a wise, temperate, and honest check upon the Executive may be both salutary and useful, but I am sure no one could read the account of the proceedings of the opposition in the last Session of the Provincial Council without a feeling of regret that such a state of things should exist. The all-important question for next session seems to be that of education, and I am somewhat surprised that the public appears so apathetic upon this matter. It is true that during last session a series of letters appeared in your journal on the subject, but in my opinion the matter was left just as they found it. With the writers the question appears to be which of the denominations Avas to have the lions share of the grant- Your own timely article and that I think taken from the 'Leeds Mercury' opened up the question a little, and would awaken enquiry in the minds of those who read them. lam glad to find by the circular issued by the Provincial Secretary, that we may expect some better system than the present, which 1 think most objectionable. I do hope some of your numerous readers will take the matter up, and lot the question be well ventilated, so that the Executive and Council may know the mind of the public upon it. I had written thus far when your issue of Wednesday came to hand, and find you have forestalled me in many remarks. 1 will not trespass further on your space, but should you deem this worth noticing,. I may at another opportunity trouble you again. Yours respectfully, COSMOPOLITE. Rangiora, 2nd April, 1862.