GOVERNMENT OFFICERS AND THE ELECTION.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 599, 23 April 1870, Page 3

GOVERNMENT OFFICERS AND THE ELECTION.

TO THE EDITOR OB" THE STAB. Sib, — With your permission, I wish to draw yours and the public's attention to the following. In reading Mr Kolleston's speech at Rangiora, as reported in the Lyttelton Times, my eye caught a paragraph which Mr Rolleston quoted from a speech of Mr Moorhouse's to this effect, that the Government officials were canvassing for Mr Rolle3ton's election. Now, mark what answer Mr Rolleston gives to this assertion. He says that that statement of Mr Moorhouse was so contrary to facts, that he must ask them to allow him to contradict it. He further states, that a few days ago he had issued an order forbidding all Government officials to interfere in the election in any way whatever beyond recording their votes, and he further

adds to what appeared in the Gazette — misleading the public a little more— that the said officials are quite free to vote for which ever candidate they choose. Now, Sir, mark Mr Rolleston's committee. There is Mr Rolles ton's Executive evading this order. Are they not busy canvassing themselves, and coaching others to do the same ? And Ij may further add that Mr Rolleston's committee (and why should we doubt but that Mr Rolleston is not aware of the tact) have; sent a letter, or circular, as it may be, to these* same officials, asking them to give their vote to Mr Rolleston. That circular contains the following command — to use their best influence to get others to vote for him. These are facts, and Mr Rolleston may contradict them if he^ can. If that is not using undue influence, I leave the public to judge for themselves. Your obedient ssrvaHf, LABOURER.