THE ELECTIONS.

Observer, Volume 3, Issue 55, 1 October 1881, Page 35

THE ELECTIONS.

In view of the near approach of the elections we may so far take our readers into our confidence as to state that it is not our intention to support any particular political party, but to endeavour to advocate and secure attention to those great questions upon which the future welfare of the Colony depends.. In short our policy" is summed up in the somewhat hackneyed phrase, " Measures, not men." Wo believe that great questions of policy have been too often subordinated to mere party considerations, and that the real business of the country has been sacrificed in selfish struggles for political ascendancy. We shall give our cordial support to any proposals which we believe to be conducive to the welfare and progress of the country, regardless altogether of the side from, which they emanate. What the country requires is practical men, fitted by experience and study of social and political problems for the business of legislation, not mere talkers, charlatans, and needy adventurers who make politics a trade. Added to that qualification we shall look for honesty of purpose. The old idea that a candidate's eligibility was to be guaged by the length, of his residence in Auckland, the length of Ids purse, or his influence in certain circles, is, we hope, obsolete, and we shall be glad to see an infusion of new blood in the next House of Representatives, as it is sadly wanted. It is undertood that Mr J. J. Moss intends to run for his old seat for Parnell, while Mr Speight will transfer his patronage from City East to the Thames. Amongst the candidates are Messrs. McCullough, Brodie, and a host of others. Mr Sheehan makes cock-sure of Coromandel, but may find all his work cut out for him. For Franklin the electors will have the choice of two out of Messrs. Hamlin, Harris, Claude and Buckland, and for Waipa there will be Mr Whitaker, Major Jackson, and probably Drßeale. The last is working hard to put his friends on the roll. Dr Wallis will go up for City West, but will have a host of competitors. Mr Swanson is tolerably safe for his old seat, but some compromise will have to be effected between Sir Maurice O'Eorke and Mr Tole. Among the candidates for City East will probably be the Mayor Mr J. M. Clarke. Mr Eeader Wood may transfer his affections from Waitemata to City West. " Holy Joe " is sniffing round for support, and Stark who has been studying oratory in the English Parliament means to have another try for legislative honours. Some of the Catholics have talked of bringing out Mr J. Cosgrave, and a great many fresh names are mentioned among the list of competitors, (including the following : Bay of Islands : J. Lundon and E. Hobbs ; Marsden : Capt. Colbeck, Mitchelson, and Alderton ; Eodney : Seymour Gteorge; Franklin North: Mr S. Luke;

Franklin South : Messrs Crawford and O. McGee ; Thames : Ehrenfried, Brasscy, and McGowan ; Auckland North : Mr Bees; Auckland South : Dr Wallis and J. M. Dargaville ; Eden : Mr A. K. Taylor; Waipa : MrMcMinn; Tauranga: Capts. Eraser and Morris, Messrs G. V. Stewart, 11. T. Eowe, and Kelly; Gisborne : Messrs A. McDonald, Johnston, Locke, and Capt. Porter.