ELECTION MATTERS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume IX, Issue 2107, 22 October 1870, Page 3

ELECTION MATTERS.

The retirement of Mr. Clark from tlie candidature lor City .East has, we presume, left a " walk-over " for the Colonial Treasurer. But in the strong desire evinced by the constituents for having Mr. Vogel as their representative in Parliament, there is no expression of disrespect to the late meml er who has so lon« and faithfully served this city. Mr. Clark's voice may not liavo been heard so often in debate as otL er members of the House, but even his memies, if he have any, must acknowledge that in those influences which are often more potent than the wranglings of debate, he has done the work of a good atd faithful member. Hard working on committees, interested and intelligent on every question that came under consideration, lie has in that quiet, unobtrusive way, not in public, but in private debate, the influence of which is known to Parliament men, impressed liis views 011 the legislation of the country ; and many a member on whose eloquence the listening house has waited, has got the credit of ideas not his own, derived from this source. A good and faithful citizen of Auckland, and ever wakeful to the interest of the city, Mr. Clark has lost none of the esteem and confidence of those friends who have stood by him iu previous election times. But the opportunity of having an influential Executive Minister was irresistible, and constituencies are invariably selfish. And we have no hesitation in saying that a large number who signed that overwhelming requisition to Mr. Vogel did so with a feeling of pain, and sincere regret that it must seem like a reflection 011 Mr. Clark. Mr. Clark appears to have previously entertained desires of retiring from public life, so that in his withdrawal from a contest he experiences no pain. But we believe it would be a source of general regret iu the city should he carry those desires into ellect. His experience, aud faithfulness,

and general worth in all relating 10 parliamentary proceedings, cannot be spared in tlio new House of Representatives. And, in an Assembly where there will neces arily be such a large proportion of raw recruits practising the goose-step in debate, t.'ie influence of experience and prudence will be invaluable. We believe we but gi'-e expression to a general feeling when we hope that a movement mrybe S' t <>n. fVot for returning Mr. Clark to Pariirunen'. A g.-ntlenmn whose interests and resid- nee are now in a Southern P.muice, Jims announced himself as a candidate fur tlie representation of the district of I'.'den, but the Auckland Provime cannot aff >rd to commit its interests to the cure of other than the true sons uf Auckland. Jn the liden district, and with those having interests there, Mr. Clark is exceedingly esteemed, and we are confident that a requisition to him would, in that elccto rate, receive such an amount of support as would ensure his return.—Evening Star.