THE SUPERRINTENDENCY.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 2801, 28 January 1871, Page 3

THE SUPERRINTENDENCY.

TO THE EDITOR. Sm—ln to-day's Times "An Elector" makes a comparison between the relative, fitness of the two candidates for the Superintendency now seeking the suffrages of the electors. . "To'the first objection your correspondent raises to Mr fteid—that, namely, of the want •©{_ '"■•• a liberal education " —you furnish a leply from the speech of Mr lleid at laver•cargill. It is time that cry was exploded, and that the electors of Ofcago Bhould show by their votes that they are nob to be led to the rejection and exclusion from high political office of a ■ibbii" who, by his own native worth, his patient indnstry, indomitable courage, and proved ability, has succeeded in fighting his Vfsj up from the ranks against the class prejudice and presumptuous snobbery which Would bar his progress, simply because he 3aas not bad the presumed advantage of what bis censors are pleased to call "a liberal 'education.". Is it not the boast of our institutions that they are of so liberal a character that any man may. under them, rise to tHe ihighest effice in the State, if so be that he proves only his fitness for it by. legi. •timate'y fiahtiDg and conquering his ■way to it? !No, say such objectors as. "An Elector." He has been a working man; his father was one before him, and he consequently had not the privilege of being sent to the High School, or of passing hiß terms at the University..' He has not had "a liberal education," and therefore he must have the go-bye. Again should Mr Macandrew cry, "Save me from my friends." Certainly, Sir, I admire the policy of those acen who would complacently and patronis-

ingly clap the working man on the Bhoulder, and say to him, " You are a very fine fellow; I am so very fond of you, you answer my purpose so well, only come to my meeting, clap your hard and horny hands the hardest, shout with your stsntorian voice the loudest, return me to the well paid billet 1 seslr, and I will do so much for you; only you must keep your place, don't try to rise above it, aspire not you to office or to honour. "You have not had'a liberal education,'nomatter with whatabilities nature has endowed yon. No matter how well you have studied in the school of life, you never went to the High School, you can't 'speak and write the English language grammatically,' and therefore must keep where you are'; only just put me into'power, and you will find yourself all serene." How long will the working-man stand this snubbing ? We shall see. With your permission, I will return to the further consideration of "An Elector's" letter at another time. I have now trespassed sufficiently on your valuable space.— 1 am, &c, Observer.