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Lake Wakatip Mail, Issue 505, 6 August 1868, Page 2

The Provincial party have met with a severe defeat in the Waikouaiti election. Despite every effort and the use of every electioneering tactic, Mr Mitchell, the warm advocate of Local Self-government, has been elected to represent the district in the General Assembly. The victory was very complete, and Mr Gordon did not himself deny that he -vas fairly beaten upon the issue raised. MiGordon had the support of the leading families of the district, and in his valedictory address remarked " he could say something about the wealth and strength of those who supported him. That was, however, not neeessary." Despite all these influences, the election was not with the Provincialists, who, we are told by the local paper, "exerted their utmost to secure the return of Mr Gordon, as if the fate of Provincialism depended upon the result. The partizans of Mr Mitchell, whose opinions were well known to be favorable to the County scheme, however, in the face of conflicting interests, and the almost overwhelming influences brought to bear against them, never flagged in the cause they bad espoused, but by an indomitable perseverance and well organised plans succeeded in placing their candidate at the head of the poll here by a majority of nine." This election will have great weight with the Assembly. The issue was confined to the one question, and a wealthy, populous and old-settled district has spoken out firmly and decisively. We are glad of Mr Mitchell's election for another reason—his votes iu the Provincial Council were in favor of this district in the questions of bridges, £SOO grant forGlenorchy road, runs, hospital, and Shotover bridge ; and further, because he was one of those members slandered in the secret petition got up in favor of Mr Vogel.