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West Coast Times, Issue 243, 3 July 1866, Page 3

Election Notices. TO THE ELECTORS OF HOKITIKA. f*i ENTLEMEN,— WIien you were revX cently called on, in conjunction with the other electors of the district of Westland, to choose a representative to serve you in the General Assembly, I had the honor to be solicited by a deputation to become a candidate for that high position. Circumstances forbidding my compliance with their flattering request, a promise was sought from me that I would allow myself to be put in nomination for one of the two seats for this town in the Provincial Council of Canterbury. Relying upon the continuance of the favorable opinion then expressed of my power to do some public service, I gave my consent. Within the last few days I have received, as you are aware, a requisition signed by a large number of electors, addressed to me jointly with three other gentlemen ; and, in reply, I have inti- • mated my continued willingness to place my services at the disposal of the electors of Hokitika, should they deem them worthy of their acceptance. It is now due to you that I should address you directly, as a candidate for your suffrages, and ask you to determine for yourselves whether my return to the Provincial Council would be conducive to the promotion of your interests. I must have pursued my calling in vain, during my residence amongst you, if I have failed to make my general political views fully understood, or left any doubt on the minds of the electors, as to the measures I should advocate for securing to Westland the advantages of an independent local administration. It is my intention, however, to take an early opportunity before the day of nomination, of inviting you to meet me, to submit myself to the examination which is the ordeal candidates for political honors have ordinarily to pass through. I will, therefore, for the present be content with saying a lew frank words. I do not disguise the fact that the position of your representative is one I should be proud to fill. Politics have been the study and pursuit of my life for a period of more than twenty years. I have never derived any advantage from them, except in the shape of wages honestly earned by work faithfully done. I can say, with a good conscience, that during my long connection with the press, both at home and in the colonies, I have never advocated a principle I did no believe to be true; never misused the opportunity of anonymous writing to assail private character ; never attacked a public man except on public grounds; and, whilst endeavoring to exercise a responsible power in a spirit of faithfulness to public interests, have never, to the 'best of my belief and hope, made a political enemy. My election as your representative would not have the effect of withdrawing me from the profession by which I live, and my arrangements would enable me to devote an unbought and unremitting attention to your interests. I have always entertained and expressed the strongest repugnance to the principle of the payment of representatives in any direct or indirect f<srm. If you honor me with your choice, my discharge of the high and- responsible duties devolving upon me will be swayed by no considertion or hope of personal advantage. I will add, that I have no desire to stand a contested election, and am ready to retire from the field in the face of any general expression of opinion, that the interests of the constituency would be better served by the'retuin of some other man. I beg to assure you that other feelings than those of disrespect, have induced me to wait thus long after the presentation of the requisition, before issuing my address. Hoping soon to meet you in public, I remain, Gentlemen, Yours faithfully, Thos. L. Bright. Hokitika, June 22, 1866. 3174