CLUTHA NOTES.

Otago Witness, Volume 15, Issue 1562, 15 October 1881, Page 13

CLUTHA NOTES.

(FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.) October llth.

The coming elections is a pretty general topic of conversation among tho many, and it is with a good deal of surprise that we sco the name of Dr J. G. Smith as a probable candidate for the Clutha. No one can exactly see through thia move. The worthy doctor is well known throughout the electoral district of Clutha, but his appearance in the political arena would be rather out of his line. " Two hundred a year, and possible pickings" may be a great incentive to some to run the gauntlet of apolitical election, but to Dr Smith this cannot be looked upon as an advantage. His large practice in his profession brings him in a good deal moro than £200, and it appears most unlikely that he would sacrifice the greater for the lesser. What political opinions Dr Smith may hold have not yet been made known publicly, but it is just possible that they are not of the same cast as the present member's. Mr J. W. Thomson has served us faithfully and well through a long period of years, and is still as popular, especially in the country districts, as when he was first returned as M.H.R. for Clutha. This being the case, there is every likelihood of his again being returned by a large majority. I have nothing at all against

! Dr Smith, but it is plain he will never take thapublte rm'nd ; and it Is not likoly that an experience ana seasoned member like Mr Thomson will take a back seat" to an inexperienced politician Hketha wertny son of Esculapius. Mr Thomson is not just my idea of a model politician. He has hia faults, like the rest of human beings. Howovor, he is a person on whom reliance can bo placed, which Is saying a «ood deal. He is thoroughly trustworthy, and keeps all his promises to his constituents. Ho is by no means a polished speaker, and is not gifted with a superabundant of "gab;" but when he tilks, it ifl sense, and, moreover, it is to tho point, neverwasting valuahle time in windy verboßity or vituperation. Although he may be a long time in coming to a conclusion as to which course ho will pursue, when it doea anivo it is substantial common sense and matured wlodom, without "variableness or shadow of turning." Mr Thomson has followed tho Liberal patty heartily and well, all tho same whether thoy wero on the Ministerial benches or in the cold shades of Opposition. Albeit he h»j likewise borne a character untarnished by bribery, unsullied by dishonourable praotioeo, and bearing the stamp of sterling worth, hontsty, and uprightness. In shoi t, Mr Thomson has tho tfood as well aa tho aiiv.mcemcnt of the Colony at heart, and no doubt the oler.toM will show thoir appreciation of his pa»t services by roturning him at the top of the poll as the member for Clutha. Under prosent circumstances I cannot wish Dr Smith the success which his enterprising spirit doserve3 ; but at tho same time it is aa well not to allow members of Parliament to have an antiro " walk-over" ; tUercforo the doctor must accept my congratulations for his pluck in coming forward as an opponent to Mr J. W. Thomson, M H R. As a rather opposite being from Mr Thomson, wo must certainly class Mr Wil iam Alfred Mosloy, RockliindH, Wnrepa. This sapient (!) individual will contest the Bruce election "if a requisition be presented to him." The requisition presentation arrangement I fear will not take placo, and Mr Moaley may sing content to hide his " diminished head' and pale his "ineffectual fires" before moro worthy and superior men. What qualifications Mr Mesley may imagine ho posseßsea to fit him for a legislator J don't know. Certain it is he will never reach that El Dorado.