West Coast Times. THURSDAY, MAY 31, 1866.

West Coast Times, Issue 218, 31 May 1866, Page 2

West Coast Times. THURSDAY, MAY 31, 1866.

The popular vote by which Mr. Moorhouso has been elected to the Superintendency very closely corresponds with the show of hands at the nomination. Although the whole of the returns had not been received in Christchurch at the hour when the Telegraph Offico closed, there was no probability of the additional numbers to bo brought in materially affecting the proportionate support given to tho several candidates, as declared by the Returning Officer from the materials bofore him. It is anticipated, indeed, by those who know the outlying districts thoroughly, that the more complete returns will considerably increase Mr Moorhouse's majority. As the figures stand, they are very nearly as the " Lyttelton Times" put them in reporting the nomination — Moorhouse twice as many as Lance, and Lance three times as many as Travers. Perhaps no one expected the last named gentleman to occupy so very humble a position on the poll, especially after his published assurance that it was a matter of certainty that he would be placed at its head. Nor is it indeed easy to understand tyow a contest between Mr Moorhouso and Mr Lance could have been promoted, seeing the enormous preponderance of public opinion in favor of the former that, is evidenced by the polling returns. Mr Lanco himself has worked hard to secure his election, and he has had influential friends who have worked hard with him. He has had throughout the powerful support of the " Press," and personally of Mr Fitzgerald, who proposed him on the hustings. Yet the numbers published show that ho had never tho shadow of a chance; and that he himself and his supporters, if thoy thought he had — and they must have done so, or they would not as sane men have carried on the struggle — were wonderfully ignorant of the actual state of .public feeling throughout the Province. The rosult has been to place Mr Lauce in a position scarcely less ridiculous than that of Mr Travers.

The return of Mr Moorhouso will bo in all respects acceptable to the people of the West Coast. Of tho thirteen yotes recorded yesterday in Ilokitika,

eleven wore given to him. If tho people generally were enfranchised, Mr Moorhouse would, no doubt, have counted his majority by hundreds instead of by units in this district of the province. N

Mr Moorhouse occupies a strong position. Some may possibly think, too strong. He is constitutionally a man of strong will, and tho electors have given him authority to plant hi foot boldly and firmly, and say " I am backed by tho power of the people." We confess that tho circumstances under which tho new Superintendent has been returned, add additional importance to tho question, who shall be sent into the Provincial Council to exercise the legitimate control over the executive action of the chief magistrate, which is an essential element of the system of responsible government. Of Mr Moor house's political honesty not one of his many supporters, wo believe, entertains a doubt. But they all understand that he has positive ideas, aud that he is not tho man to abandon them. For a character like his to work in thorough harmony with tho representative institutions that^exist in tho province, it is necessary that he should bo surrounded by councillors of energy, self-assortion, and discretion.

This district has everything to hope for from his Honor's government. He stands bound to it by distinct pledges. But his pledges are limited by this condition: that Westland must 'bo true to itself if it requires him to be true to it. It is by tho action of tho Council that justice can alone bo done to it. And it must make its impression on the Council. Mr Moorhouse has promised to include one of the Westland members in his Executive if possible, and "if possible" means, provided tho electors send over men from amongst whom a Superintendent cau make a choice. Westland has now the man in office whom it desired to see there ; tho man who is its representative in tho General Assembly. Its duty is now plain and distinct. Let five men be returned to co-operato with Mr Moorhouse, aud to aid in guiding him with their counsel. He is required to conduct the Government in accordance with tho will of tho Legislature, nnd by tho advice and consent of tho Ministry imposed on him by that legislature From his energy of character wo shall doubtless derive infinite advantage. But tho interests of tho district rcquiro that it should hold an influential place in his counsels.

It will bo seen that a clear month is allowed the electors to make their arrangements, and to select their We shall now leave the matter in other hands to take action. Enough has been said to remind tho peoplo of the duty which, in this crisis of affairs, devolves upon them.