THE SUPERINTENDENCY.

Westport Times, Volume III, Issue 557, 21 September 1869, Page 2

THE SUPERINTENDENCY.

(From tlie Colonist.) Next month tbe election of the Superintendent for the next four vears takes place, as does also the election of Provincial Councillors for tlie like period. There does not appear, at present at least, any likelihood of an opponent to Mr Curtis. Not that his Honor is popular; indeed he is less so than he was when he was elected, for people have not unnaturally compared promises then with performances sicce, and the comparison is not deemed satisfactory, if we may judge by the feeling which receives not unready utterance, not on the "West Coast merely, but in the country districts also, and to some noticeable extent even in the stronghold of Mr Curtis, tbe city. Hopes were entertained some months ago by a large number of the constituency both in town and country, as well as on the West Coast, tbat Mr. N. Edwards would be a candidate for the office. But Mr Edwards has, since his return from "Wellington, announced his determination not to become a candidate; and we are bound to say, judging from

the temper of the electors, that we think his decision a judicious one, for there can be no question that disappointment has fallen on the expectations which, whether well founded or not, were certainly entertained by a large number of the electors of the city, who gave him the handsome majority which returned him to the Assembly. We do not say more at present, as Mr Edwards will, no doubt, explain his proceedings on an early day; and it may be that he can show that the electors expected more from him than they were warranted in doing. There is one thing, however, which cannot be deuied, and that is, that, after compelling Mr Stafford to resign, because they were dissatisfied with him, the Nelson electors never imagined that they had sent one in his place who would vote all through the session with and for the man whom they had ousted. We know that there maybe found some excuses with respect to the exigencies of party, and it will be argued that party demands a party support, and that such institutions as the Canterbury Cave are by no means conducive to good government or successful legislation. There may be something in this ; but something more is required to heal the wound which many feci because of what they consider the defection of Mr Edwards. We believe, had Mr Edwards's votes been less Staffordite, and more independent of that unhappy politician's party ; bad he approached the fulfilment of the wishes of those who elected him, and the people in the country districts who sympathise with them, and with whom Mr Curtis is not nearly so popular as he was, Mr Edwards would have fought a successful contest for the Superintendency. Mr Barnicoat, if he were to come forward, would have excellent chances, especially as the disfavor with which Mr Curtis is regarded on the West Coast, not at Westport only, but southwards also, appears to be grewing. A private telegram we had last night from Charleston very clearly announces this fact; and there is a strong desire for a candidate in opposition to Mr Curtis. Mr Barnicoat, even with the remembrance of the losing battles he has already fought, would prove a formidable rival; and, indeed, all things considered, the present is probably the best chance of success he has ever had. However, we believe Mr Barnicoat has decided not to take any initiative steps in the matter, although one cannot tell what he might be induced to do were he presented with a largely signed requisition, offering support from both town and country, from North and West Coasts. Other names have been mentioned, but as. in the first place, their owners are not well suited for the place, and, secondly, would make but little show in the contest, we do not discuss their merits. One thing is certain. Mr Curtis, if he should be re-elected unopposed, will owe the resu't not to the regard entertained for his merits, or because the Province is satisfied with him, but because of the difficulty of finding a suitable person to contest the election.