ORIGINAL CORRESPONDENCE.

Otago Witness, Issue 286, 23 May 1857, Page 5

ORIGINAL CORRESPONDENCE.

To the Editor of the Otago Witness. Taieri, May 19th, 1857.

Sib, — How is it that no writ has been issued for a new election in the Central District ? isthe prevailing question of the day in this district. Mr. Lee has publicly intimated to his constituents that he has resigned his seat in the Provincial Council, and I should infer that he has also sent in his resignation to the Superintendent. If he has not done so, it shows a want of courtesy on his part ; but that does not justify the Superintendent in not issuing the writ, because the Constitution Act, in the 12th clause, says :—: —

♦'Whenever it shall be established to the satisfaction of the Superintendent that the seat of any member of the Provincial Council shall become vacant, the Superintendent shall forthwith issue a writ for the election of a new member to serve in the place so vacated," &c.

Surely the fact is well enough established when we have seen the resignation in your paper for two weeks past, and Mr. Shand, many weeks previously, addressing the electors "entirely on his own hook" as an "independent man," for the anticipated vacancy. I say the Superintendent has no excuse for not issuing the writ FORTHWITH as the Constitution Act provides. The belief out here is that some craftiness is at work — and that the Government party are afraid they will not succeed in putting Mr. Shand in, therefore get the "mutilated" Electoral Roll published first, so as to get everything in their favour : but I should like the "Colonist" to take up Mr. Shand'a cause. I think the editor is too longheaded.

An Elector.