The Star. THURSDAY, MAY 13, 1886.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 5617, 13 May 1886, Page 2

The Star. THURSDAY, MAY 13, 1886.

Mb E. M. Taylob has been elected to represent Sydenharu, which boasts of being a specially important Borough constituency during the close-enauing session of Parliament. We regret that we cannot congratulate Sydenham upon the choice it has made, for, so far as our present knowledge goes, there seems a probability that the political birthright has been sold for a mes« of pottage, which may prove nauseously bitter. We trust that our misgiving may prove to be altogether without cause. If so, we shall, when, occasion- seives, giv» ample acknowledgement of the fact. There is, in the position of affaire, the comfort that if Mr Taylor has managed to get himself elected aa practically an unpledged man, and with no higher motive in view than the securing of a Court-house for the more rapid infliction ot pains and penalties upon some of hit constituentsT-did any of the habitual "drunk and disorderlies " vote for him, we wonder ?— if he has managed this, he has none the less had some pretty strong hint« that people will not close their eyes to his proceedings in Wellington. Nor can he well remain unimpressed with the fact that the polling results constitute a strong hint also. Of the 1124 votes recorded, only 448 were for Mr Taylor ; consequently he is the direct representative of a minority only. Nevertheless, he represents every elector, and must either be prepared to Bhow such, a record as will prove generally satisfactory, or to retire to his former social position. The session which opens to-day, promises to be of more direct importance than any that have preceded it; and it is certain that the reports of the proceedings will be read with even more than ordinary interest. What part Sydenham's now representative will play therein remains to be seen.