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Lyttelton Times, Volume LXVII, Issue 8122, 19 March 1887, Page 4

In the face of the very full and explicit explanations which we. publish for Messrs Hulbert and Louisson in another column, it is impossible any longer to charge them with improper motives at the meeting of the Jubilee Committee. Our inference was from the fact that these gentlemen took a' prominent part in the proceedings. That they took that prominent part was, we still think,' unfortunate, for by so doing they laid themselves open to unfavourable inferences unavoidable on so important and great an occasion. It would have been better, Iconsidering recent Municipal contests, sto have left the business connected |vith the Chairmanship to someone else. However, though their action Rvas injudicious, no one can, in view ®f their explanation, believe that ft was not in the best intention. That Seeing the case, we hope we may congratulate the public on the removal of Phis preliminary difficulty. In this iiope, we cordially accept Mr Louisson’s expectation of a successful meeting pn Wednesday. The success of such ahings.it is necessary to bear in mind, depends always on the excellence of tthe previous arrangements. In this Inspect the misunderstanding which marred the last meeting is highly instructive. Had the Mayor given me matter the necessary and right llind of thought, he would have seen Biat the position of Chairman must lave been the first point of discuspon. It would have been a graceful and practical act on his part had he pointed out to the meeting that the election of a permanent Chairman was necessary. The Mayor had a really ©•eat opportunity. If he had begun me proceedings by proposing Mr Mistice Johnston for the office he would have done the Committee the

reatest service. But by want of lought he proved unequal to his pportunity. This, however, is only •ying over a little spilt milk. It is ot by any means too late. His Honor [r Justice Johnston is the one man

tho fulfils all the requirements of le office. He occupies the highest jsition in the Canterbury district, position which, by placing him above 1 parties and cliques, makes him the icognised head of society in Canter■iry. The high and honourable he fills so well is at once the q|st reason for his selection, and the Mst guarantee that he will do justice t|| that selection. We trust that the Committee will see this matter in the t|ie light, and make up its mind to bigin what we are sure will be a omeer of striking success, by appointing as its Chairman the one man in Canterbury whose claims are admittedly above all others.