MR ELL’S CANDIDATURE.

Lyttelton Times, Volume XCVI, Issue 11122, 23 November 1896, Page 3

MR ELL’S CANDIDATURE.

TO THE EDITOR. Sib,—l was present at Mr Ell’s meeting last night at Sydenham,;and must deplore the scant measure of justice which you accord him in this morning’s Times. I have no hesitation in saying that there is not a candidate for the city at the present time who has a keener insight into, or a more intelligent grasp of the whole political situation than Mr Ell. He is not young or immature as regards his study of politics. He has gone to study that with an earnestness and pursued it with a thoroughness which has given him insight and knowledge. There was scarcely a platitude in his speech last night, and his setting forth of the Labour problem in all its aspects was masterly, whilst his proposed method of dealing with it-was intelligent and complete. I am not much given to hero-worship and I prefer measures to men ; but I am convinced that Mr Ell has in him the makings of a true statesman, and I am not without hope that he has honesty and straightforwardness enough to stand the morally miasmatic atmosphere which plays such havoc with the men whom we send to Wellington. For three years I have had the opportunity of observing Mr Ell’s manner of work, and no words can express the admiration I feel for such industry and perseverance given without money or price for a cause which he loves. Last night he was straightforward, fearless and outspoken, yet there was not an abusive word nor a stinging retort. Full praise was given to the present Government for all its work, with a manly refusal to yield any blind adhesion to jiarfcy. The people of Christchurch will of course please themselves in the bestowal of their votes, but I should be untrue to my most earnest convictions if I did not express myself on this matter, and 1 hope that your sense of justice will allow me to do so in your columns. Mr Ell is not a satisfactory speaker; he lacks clearness of enunciation and deliberation; but these faults can be mended with a little pains-taking, and will be, I hope, for such well-considered and statesmanlike views as he set forth last night deserve a better deliveiy.—l am, &c.,

O’BRTEN HOARE