The Star. WEDNESDAY, APRIL 27, 1870.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 607, 3 May 1870, Page 2

The Star. WEDNESDAY, APRIL 27, 1870.

- • „ » Although the official declaration of the poll has not been made, the people of Canterbury take it for granted that Mr Rolleston has been elected Superintendent. "We believe we are right in saying that this is the first occasion in Canterbury on which an actual Superintendent has contested the election as a candidate, and we are sure that a large proportion of the public will join with us in hoping that it may be the last. We make no accusation against Mr Eolleston ; we merely state a fact when we say that his official position gave him an immense advantage over his opponent. It was inevitable, perhaps, that it should be so, but the people, we are convinced, will wish, in the event of another contested election for the office of Superintendent, that the candidates should fight on equal terms. We sympathise heartily with Mr Moorhouse, and trust that the province will yet enjoy the advantage of his abilities and experience in the great work still before it. The people have now to address themselves to the important duty of selecting representatives in the Provincial Council, and we trust they will realise the responsibility which devolves upon them. If we do not greatly err, the province is faßt advancing to a reform which far-seeing men have for some time been preparing themselves for. The Mayor of Christchurch has struck the key-note in his address to the electors of the city, and candidates throughout the province will be asked to say distinctly whether they are or are not in favour of a reform in the Waste Lands Regulations. They will be asked, also, to state in clear aud unmistakeable terms

what the reform is which they are prepared to advocate ; and they will be requested to give such pledges in the direction of reform as may be fairly asked from the representatives of the people on such an occasion.

The electors of Christchurch are invited to meet the Candidates for their suffrages in the Town Hall this evening. We hope there will be a large attendance, and we trust, also, that every candidate will be allowed to state his views without any interruption. It is exceedingly important that the electors should know clearly what the views of the candidates are, more especially with regard to the reform of the Land Regulations. This being the case, we trust some elector, if it should be found necessary, will ask the candidates to answer such questions as will distinctly elicit their opinions. These questions will readily suggest themselves to the electors, but we may be permitted to say that they ought to be in something like the following form — (1.) Are you in favour of a Eeform in the "Waste Lands Regulations ? (2.) If so, to what extent, and in what way do you propose to carry out the Eeform ? No candidate can, and no candidate will, we believe, object to answer such questions as these. The electors are fortunate in having the power placed within their reach of selecting really good representatives from the candidates who have already announced themselves.