THE COLONIST. NELSON, TUESDAY, MAY 28, 1872.

Colonist, Volume XV, Issue 1531, 28 May 1872, Page 2

THE COLONIST. NELSON, TUESDAY, MAY 28, 1872.

NELSON CITS" ELECTION.

The polling took place yesterday, and resulted in the return of Mi*. Luckie by a large majority. The two other candidates were the Hon. J. C. Richmond, who for three or four years was a member of the late Stafford Ministry, and Mr. Alfred Maunders, formerly a popular Superintendent of Nelson Province. Below we give the issue of the polling: —

The majority of Mr. Luckie over Mr. Kichmond, is thus 151, and over Mr. Maunders, 233. Taking the total number of votes polled —537 in all—Mr. Luckie has a majority of 77 over those of both the other candidates put together; although a majority which we believe has never before been attained in JN'elson in an election for the Parliament of New Zealand. We have reason for stating that, but for Mr. Saundera's appearance, Mr. Luckie's majority would have been increased by about 40 votes, which personal friendship and old associations removed from him to Mr. Saunders. Considering the position and antecedents of the two unsuccessful candidates; considering the nature of their policy, if policy they can be presumed to possess, except that of direct opposition to the Ministry; considering, further, the position occupied by Mr. Luckie as an independent and discriminating supporter of the Ministry; and above all, considering that for years Nelson has been the head-quarters of the lnosb virulent, and unreasoning opposition to the Ministry and its policy, both of whom have been steadfastly misrepresented and maligned, this election tells its own tale of the opiuion of the people respecting that opposition, and their desire to give the policy of the' Ministry a fair trial, hitherto unfairly sought to be denied.

[Regarding the nomination speeches, it may be permitted to us to say that, if Mr. Luckie was somewhat pointed in some of his reference*l, there was good and necessary cause for his being so. Mr. Richmond's speech was more than usually vigorous, and was both temperate, and kindly natured, and it contrasted with that of Mr. Saundefs, who dealt even more than ordinarily in personal assault, and was both less judicious, and less effective than his friends could have desired. However, the contest is over; it has been well and quietly fought, and well and fairly won. If any asperities have arisen during the last i'ew days, let us hope they will speedily be smoothed away.

I Luckie liuLnnond Provmcia Hill. 177 118 al O( )dd-Fellows Hall. 130 ... 38 ... Total. 307 156 launders 37 37 ... 74