THE ELECTION.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume II, Issue 29, 5 February 1867, Page 2

THE ELECTION.

To the Editor of the Evexing Mail. Sir — The crisis is now at hand on which the future prosperity of Nelson depends. Thetime has now arrived when the public must throw off all sluggishness and exert all tlieir energies to elect a man for the Superintendency, who will pledge himself to make a railway. I have no doubt that with regard to the three candidates, oue man is as good as another, they are each of them well known to the electors, and I believe equally respected. But Sir, let me ask ■ you and through you the public, if you do not require to know something of what their future intentions may be, particularly about the railway, whether or not they pledge themselves to support one. No false step mnst now be made, the time has arrived for action, do not let it pass wilhout a struggle. At a meeting of the Provincial Council on the loth November last, convened especially to take into consideration the desirability of constructing a railway tothe West Coast ; I was pleased to observe; that with one or two exceptions. all the members were in fii vor of the railway, and deemed it advisable that no time should be lost, in the matter. I think very few will deny the necessity of a railway, and I believe the public of Nelson feel that it is the one great thing needful to raise them from the position they are now in. For. years Nelson had been at a standstill, and. was only saved from a general panic by the success of the West Coast gold-fields. And now, sir, are we to be told to remain with our hands tied and see all the advantages which we should enjoy quietly handed over to others ? I would urge the electors of Nelson and the surrounding districts to be very careful in giving their votes : uow is the time, the power is theirs ; the right is theirs — they have only to say we will have it so — we will vote for the man who will pledge himself to make a railway. To talk about "internal improvement, &c," is mere moonshiue, mere evasion. I would urge the electors not to throw away this golden opportunity, but to come forward every oue of them and vote for the right man, the man who is heart and soul for the railway. I would urge the voters, if not for their own sakes, for those of their wives and families and tbeir children's children, do nofc sit quietly iu your homes thinking there will be enough without yon ; suppose all think so, what will become of your interests ?. A mau who plainly tells you, he will promise nothing, should not have your votes; he may say '• leave yourselves in my hands" — why, sir, to my idea this sort of confidence is only due to a Supreme Being. I certaiuly cannot understand why a body of intellectual men should put such faith and blind confidence in any man, though he be a townsman. Is it because Mr. Blackett follows the same policy as your

present Superintendent, or rather to do the bidding of the gentleman holdiug that office. Mr. Blackett does not once mention the word railway in his address to his requisitionists; he carefully and artfully avoids it, because it is not his intention to promote one. The secret is this : a certain few are making fortunes without a railway, and do not wish their fellow townsmen to participate in the benefits arising from the West Coast gold-fields. I can easily understand why Mr. Edwards the first name on the requisition should be heart and soul for Mr. Blackett and no railway. I have only to refer you to' the advertised steamboats to the VVest Coast. Do they and those connected with them want a Railway? I merely put the question ; surely the people of Nelson can answer it. But are all the townspeople to suffer for a few. I would say to the electors, let no influence deter you from voting according to your own judgment. I would tell thein their welfare depends upon their vote at the forthcoming t lection. I would say to them let your cry be "a pie Ige anl a railway, aud nothing but a railway." Observer. Nelson, January 31st, 1867.