West Coast Times

West Coast Times, Issue 9203, 18 December 1891, Page 2

West Coast Times

The Opposition are profoundly disgusted at the ayowed intention of the Govern" ment to contest every election. They are more than disgusted, they are indignant. Such an entire absence of constitutional practice and right feeling was never before exhibited. Why the Government should appear in such a yery odious light they do not explain. Probably it is that being tbe Government they cannot possibly do right. On no other ground can we understand why the determination of the Ministry to secure as many supporters as possible Bhould tneet with so much vituperation. The favorite charge used against the Ministry on all conceivable occasions is that they are Americanising our public institu'ions. Tbis is held to be a crime of the deepest die. Some little time ago I the assertion by tbe Premier that vacancies in the Legislative Council would be filled by men of the ' right color,' that is . by men holding tbe same political views as the Ministry, was seized upon as a ground for attack and it was said tbat tbe Ministry would go further than the Legislative Council— they would appoint a Magistracy on similar lines. Probably most of tbis wholesale condemnation is only a sham after all, It is necessaiy to prejudice the Government in the eyes of the people and so every little oircuaistaace, every casual word ie twisted and distorted to convey an impression tending to bring disrepute on the party at present in office. Their attitude in respect of the Welling* ton election furnishes a case in point. We need not, like the Opposition, go to our American cousins for a precedent, plenty can be found in the Mother Country. So long as we have Government by party we will find party organisations ready to find men to contest all elections. It does not follow tbat the best men are alwayß available or even the best men belon.ing to tbat party ; it is sufficient to say that a certain candidate is the party nominee and consequently the great majority of those who approve of the policy of that party do their best to see bim returned. The British papers tell us that a Unionist, a Home Ruler, or | a Conßervative is returned, but they are silent as to the qualifications of tbe men. The election is looked upon as a victory lor the party not for the individual. A notable instance of this occurred in tbe Cork election the other day. Mr Redmond was defeated by a man who is practically! a nonentity. The recent utterances of tbe great leaders of all parties furnish yet other instances in oupport of our contention. They intend to organise electioneering campaigns and will speak at a number of places and by sucb means attempt to influence public opinion on their fide. They do not ask the constituencies to support this man or tbat man, bnt ask them to elect men who will support their policy. This is all the Government are doing at Wellington. They do not ask the people to any whether Mr Bell or Mr M'Lean la the most capable man, but they aak them to return a Government supporter. This is the head and front of their offending, !

Yesterday was the hottest day wo have Been this season and one of the hottest remembered for many years. One thermometer registered 125 in the sun and 90 in the shade. Towards evening the sky became overcast with thick clouds and a Btrong wind blew from the north west. At the time of going to press there waa slight rain, and the sky looked very threatening.

It will be seen by the sketch of the ' Governor's movements which we published yesterday that he will spend very little time in Jihis town. At Greymouth and Eumara Mr Seddon Beems to have secured Lord Onslow's presence aB an additional attract tion at their race meetings, while at Greymouth, in addition, it is proposed to open the new drill shed with|a bal masque which is to be one of the biggest affairs of the kind seen on the Coast. We do not know if the people here intend to do more than present him with addresses. To judge from the programme it would seem that he wants to see the country more than the people.

Now that the festive season is approaching and persons are sending their friends tho usual Xmas greetings in the shape of cards, etc., a word of advice to those not acqnainted with the general rules of posting may not be out of place. Tho cards or booklets should have both ends of the wrapper entirely open, and tied around with string, and marked 'cards only.' Of course the packet must contain no writing in the nature of correspondence other than whom it is from. By adopting this warning persons may prevent the unpleasantness of their friends having to pay for their greetings, for unless the postal regulations are strictly complied with, these cards are charged double the ordinary letter rate. We are informed a good number are being posted at present and that some have already infringed the ' book poet' regulations. Hence the word of advice.

A joung man named Fred Fane fell asleep on tbe beach last Wednesday afternoon in the broiling sun and in consequence suffered a slight sunstroke. During the evening he v.as seriously ill, but was reported yesterday to be out of danger.

The New Zealand Clothing Factory are opening up a splendid range of boys suits, including all the newest shapes also a new consignment of straw and felt hats, all marked at prices which must ensure a speedy sale. Call at once and secure a choice. — Advt.

The following rights for the Kumara races were sold yesterday : — No 1 booth, £48, Mrs Dalton ; No 2 booth, £34, Mrs Borlase ; No 3 booth, £23, O. W. Anderson ; No 1 fruit stall, £11, James Woods j No 2 fruit stall,

£9 10s, Mtb Keller j Cards, £10 10s, Adams. The rights for the Christmas sports realised as under :—Booth, £27, Jame» Woods ; Fruit stall, £4, Mrs Keller; Gateß, £12, J. S. Pearn.