THE COMING ELECTION.

West Coast Times, Issue 605, 2 September 1867, Page 2

THE COMING ELECTION.

(FHO3I THE WEST COAST TIMES AUG. 28.) No time has been lost in issuing the writs for the election of a member of the Provincial Council to fill the vacancy in the representation of Hokitika. The day of nomination is fixed for Monday, and the day of polling for Tuesday, next. No candidates have yset announced themselves. We are in a position to state that Mr Bonar intends to ask the suffrages of the constituency, but this being the case, we see no reason why he should lose even a day in announcing his candidature. He will appeal to the electors as Goldfields Secretary ; and it will naturally be expected of him, that as a member of the Government, added to it under circumstances of a very exceptional character, he should explain the precise political status which he holds, and the nature of the duties and responsibilities he has assumed. The appointment of a Goldfields Secretary, however tardily and ungraciously it was made, was a concession to the often repeated demand of the Westland members ; and if it can be shown that, legally and constitutionally, Mr Bonar holds his seat in the Provincial Executive ; that he is, in a bona fide sense, the responsible head of the Westland department ; that he is invested with powers to be exercised independently of Christchurch control; and that his special function in the Provincial Council will be in the interests of this district to explain and justify his administrative acts ; it will be for the electors to consider how far circumstances have changed since the demand for a responsible minister was first made, to justify the people in rejecting the concession now that it is granted. Mr Bonar's election will, no doubt, be opposed. But before we can feel ourselves in a position to discuss the merits of conflicting candidatures, it is necessary that not only the names of intending candidates should be announced, but also that the platform on which they stand should be distinctly defined. We have heard several names mentioned, but do not feel ourselves warranted in giving them publicity. It is certainly due to the electors that no coucealment or mystery should be maintained. On this occasion the election cannot turn on any mere question of comparative personal fitness. No man will have any right to present himself as a candidate who is not the representative of a political principle. If Mr Bonar is sufficiently frank aud explicit in his explanations, his position will be well defined. Au equally distinct and intelligible stand should be taken by each opposing candidate. There would then be a certain issue for the public to decide upon. If, under present circumstances, a contested election come off in Hokitika without such a distinct issue being raised, it will be utterly destructive of the political influence and reputation of the constituency.