THE ELECTION AT WANGANUI.

Wellington Independent, Volume XVI, Issue 1496, 12 February 1861, Page 5

THE ELECTION AT WANGANUI.

from, the Wanganui Chronicle

On Friday, the Ist inst., the electors of the district met for the purpose of nominating a candidate for a neat in the House of Representatives for this district. The meeting was held in the Court House. About 50 electors were present. D. S. Durie, Esq. having taken the chair, and read the election writ, called on those present to proceed with the nominatiou.

Captain Campbell shortly proposed H. S. Harrison, Esq. as a fit and proper representative for the district,

Mr. Watt in rising to second Mr. Harrison's nomination, did not consider it necessary to say much about tbat gentleman's qualifications to represent us ; but as the mover had remarked, Mr. Harrison was one of our oldest colonists, and had been connected with the legislature of our province for a number of years past ; he was elected to represent tbem in the first Provincial Council, and had been found a useful member on all occasions ; bis interests were identified very largely with our own, and his views were at all times moderate and in favour of the people ; he perhaps did not adopt such extreme views on the native war question, but that was now immaterial, as the war was assuming a much more general appearance tban when it broke out, and the quarrel now, instead of being between Wi Kingi and the Governor, was taken up by the Waikatos and the Ngatiruanuis, who had no quarrel with us whatever, and and the Imperial Government had taken it up, and would carry on and finish it, without the settlers having any more to say in the matter; and whatever other differences were between ourselves would soon be forgotten, and there was no doubt but they would find Mr. Harrison the right man in the right place; he had therefore great pleasure in seconding .his nomination.

Mr. Harrison then addressed the electors to the following effect, —

Gentlemen,- I am here before jou this day as a candidate for your suffrages in relation to the General Assembly. I have much pleasure in meeting you, as I am anxious that we should well and clearly understand eacb other.

Gentlemen, — Legislation at tbe present day is not the easy and pleasant task imagined by a distant observer. It is not merely tbe adapting of existing laws to meet the requirements of a steadily progressive and developing colony ; thrice bappy and cheerful would legislative labours be uuder such circumstances. But apart from tbe consideration of a numerous and enterprising European population, there is a large native population, at once powerful, ambitious, intelligent aud exacting, the adjustment of whose demands claims the' greatest circumspection. And I may here remark, and! do it in no acriinouious spirit, that had their spiritual guides contented themselves with inculcating the Christian sentiments of peace on earth and]

good-will towards men, and so pointing the way to heaven, the government aud legislature of i tbis country would in all probability have been materially relieved,' and both races of inhabi. tants much benefited. I may add, in connexion with this subject, that though during my pilgrimage in New Zealand, I have ever wished to cultivate a friendly feeling towards gentlemen engaged iv missionary labours— though I have ever appreciated their society, and should have pleasure in ec-operating with them in any matter of social import— yet, in a matter of collision with the natives, they are the last of intelligent beings on God's earth whose opinions or advice I should seek. On such a subject I should yield a cautious, not to say a distrustful, ear to their counsels and conclusions, as the painlul experience of many native conflicts has convinced me, that the missionaries, in their zeal and anxiety for the welfare of their flocks have been betrayed at times into the position of advocates and apologists for the ruthless deeds of misguided rebels.

I will here advert to my political views. Alas ! —I ought to feel a degree of shame in the admission. My political views, like my fortunes and my qualifications, are of the moderate order— of the medium caste. I am no thick and thin partisan— no up hill and down dale follower of a party. With regard to the party now iv power— the present Government— when ive consider that Government, which ought to have been a paternal Government, pouring out its vials of wrath upon the province of Wellington, curtailing its .revenues, nibbling at its customs, and frowning upon and spiting its people, I cannot but conclude that such a Government has small claims upon the support of the members for this province. On the other hand, with regard to the opposition known as the Featherston party -though I bear willing testimony to those great qualities which form the prominent characteristics of that party to their high courage, unwearied industry,, indomitable perseverance, and widely-acknowiedged talents— yet, gentlemen, lam not prepared to set lance in rest, and follow those adventurous spirits in every charge to which the genius of opposition may prompt thera. lam not pre. pared for this; but should I have the- honor of representing you in the Assembly, so far as might be consistent with the duty due to my constituency, so far am I prepared to give to that party my humble conscientious support. I may further say, tbat I should wish, as your member, to be favoured with your views ou all important questions, and to afford all the infor mation of which I might be possesssd, in order to strengthen the bond between us, and as much as possible to prevent those differences which otherwise might occur. These are ray general sentiments, and I now shall have pleasure in giving my attention to any questions which electors may think fit to propose, concluding with an assurance, which I make in every sincerity, that rather than forfeit one single friendship, or break the harmony which has for so many years subsisted between us, I would resign this grave responsibility, aud to my few sheep in the wilderness.

There being no questions put aud no other candidate nominated, Major Durie declared Mr. Harrison duly elected.