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Southland Times, Issue 3312, 31 January 1879, Page 2

The newly - fledged municipality of Campbelltown, or, as it has hitherto been designated. BlxidS:, will in a few days exercise, for the first time, its power to elect its local rulers, and the occasion " seems a fitting one for the interposition of a few remarks, seeing .that the future prosperity of the town will depend greatly on the present action of its citizens. The circumstances of. this new. municipality are somewhat peculiar, inasmuch that it owes . its creation to special ■ enactment, made to overcome -obstacles in the Municipal Corporations Act of 1876. A concession .dictated by special' considerations^ was made, and in. one respect is" highly important, for it places the elective power in the hands of very few electors. ' -Not more than 50 votes will be available, and, as a consequence of this paucity of electors, the election becomes a more personal matter than similar contests in more .thickly populated towns. Not only will every candidate be intimately known both in business and private relations, -but every elector . will be as we'll known, by each of the candidates. In so small a' community as Gampbelltown is at .present, commercial and private conneptions are ..more closelyinterwoven than elsewhere, so that to separate the candidate from the friend, customer, or patron becomes doubly difficult. It is, however, a difficulty that must be overcome for the sake, of the place, and for the sake of a sound and judicious selection between the candidates who present themselves. Campbelltown, dormant almost for a number of years, has . by the march of events started upon a new era of its existence. The southern terminus of the great , line of railway, extending like a backbone through the length of the island, it is certain even ; tually to become the portus or gateway of New Zealand. Admirably adapted for this purpose from its natural advantages and its geographical position, it only needs the fostering hand of prudent local administration to bring it into the prominent position it is entitled to hold. When it has finally shaken off adverse influences, and when proper attention is paid to its wants, and capabilities,, .there .cart .be no reasonable doubt of its ultimate prosperity. The power of assisting in the direct administration of their own local matters, having been conferred upon the citizens they are now called upon to. choose for themselves representatives, Consisting of a mayor and council. Eor the office of mayor two candidates are mentioned, and it seems improbable that more will come forward. To select the 'fittest of the twain should be the" care of: the ratepayers, for. ..there can be no question about the A, new mayor exercising very considerable influence upon the immediate future of Campbelltown. . W r e. take a, very warm interest in the progress of Campbelltown and should much regret the effects that must inevitably ensue,, upon any mistake made at ..'.the present juncture. Independence of action on the part? of every elector is imperatively demanded and a rigorous impartiality in the exercise- ; 6f the franchise.