THE ELECTIONS.
TO THE EDITORi Sir—l see in your issue of yesterday a letter signed" Observer," putting opinions of Mr Macandrew's and Mr Bathgate'a in parallel columns, and expressing surprise and then trying to show the inconsistency of some of the electors who have voted for Mr Bathgate now supporting Mr Macandrew. Had your correspondent been what he Bigns" himself for a very short time in Ofcago, he could hardly be blind to the fact that in nearly every election principles are lost sight of, and the individual is voted for. Had that not been the case, I do not think Mr Bathgate would ever have been elected, Ihave on many occasions attended his meetings, and although I have at all these heard him promise everything to everybody who asked questions, and at the same time amused bis hearers by telling them what a great man he was in V Peebles," and what wonders he did for the natives of that locality, I can't say that 1 ever heard anything approaching to the views of even a sucking statesman. But I am trespassing too far onyour space, and will conclude by telling yoiir observant cor-' respondent that I saw an elector take the bet of a hat that Mr Bathgate would be returned, after :> which he stated that it had been his intention to vote for Mr Macassey,' but now he would vote: for the other, or rather for the hat; on hearing which I urged the other party to throw up the bet, so as not to deprive Mr Macassey of the vote, but I am sorry to say it was not done; and two days after this, this "same free and independent elector actually had the insolence to ask me to barter my vote with him by giving him one. of mine for Bathgate or rather the hat, and he would give me one for any of the other two candidates. I also know for a fact that he canvassed actively for his hat. This I believe is not an isolated instance, shewing what little value many put on the franchise ; in fact, barter their couDtry for trifles—principles they have none.—l am, &c., _______ W/ *D- S*
Permanent link to this item
https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/ODT18710126.2.20
Bibliographic details
Otago Daily Times, Issue 2799, 26 January 1871, Page 3
Word Count
368THE ELECTIONS. Otago Daily Times, Issue 2799, 26 January 1871, Page 3
Using This Item
No known copyright (New Zealand)
To the best of the National Library of New Zealand’s knowledge, under New Zealand law, there is no copyright in this item in New Zealand.
You can copy this item, share it, and post it on a blog or website. It can be modified, remixed and built upon. It can be used commercially. If reproducing this item, it is helpful to include the source.
For further information please refer to the Copyright guide.
Log in