CANTERBURY.

Wellington Independent, Volume XXII, Issue 2669, 18 April 1868, Page 5

CANTERBURY.

By the s.s. Aliuriri, we have files to the following dates :— Lyttelton, 16th; Dunedin, 14th. THE SUPEKINTENDENCY. ' The Lyttelton Times of the 13th says :— The intimation that Mr Bowen declines to stand for the Superintendency will, if we mistake not, cause considerable regret. Nor will the reason given for the refusal serve in any way to diminish the regret. At a time when it is peculiarly necessary that the province should be well governed, we might have secured the services of a gentleman in whom the public has reason to repose the greatest confidence, if wo had been prepared to give an adequate remuneration for those services. But the Government decides that we are not in such a position, and so Mr Bowen's services are lost to the province. ME TBAVEBS. The same paper adds : — We hear that Mr Travers is shortly expected in Christehurch, , and people. jump to the conclusion that lus coming is connected with the vacant Superiutendency. We have not an exalted opinion of Mr Travers' judgment, but we hardly think ifc likely that tho Superintendency of Canterbury, with a salary of £600 a-year, and certain contest, would be likely to tempt even his ambition. MAOBI ELECTION. The Canterbury Press says : — * The nomination of candidates to represent the Southern Maori interest, took place at St. Stephens, to the left of the pah near Woodend. The al»tpndance of visitors was small, but there were between eighty and one hundred Maoris, besides women and children. About half-past twelve, Mr Mackay opened the proceedings of the day by explaining the formula of the election. Ho read the notice in the Gazette, and the writ for the election, and then called on the natives to nominate their candidates. George Peter Matu stepped forward and proposed Thomas Green, a half-caste, as a fit and proper person to represent the Southern Maori electoral district. His nomination was seconded by Hopa Pauru. Ihaia Tainui proposed George Peter Matu as a fit and proper person but he declined to stand. Peti Te Hori proposed Wi Nahera. Henaro Makaika seconded the nomination. The Rev. Te Kote proposed Paratene Tamanui a Rangi, and Hoani, Ura seconded the nomination. No other proposal being made, a show of hands was taken as follows :— Wi Nahera, 35 ; Green, 28 ; Paratone, 10. A poll was demanded by Green,. which takes place on the sth of May, atKaiapoi, Eeupaki, Moeraki.Arowhenua, Otepoti, Awarua, Blenheim, Greymoutb, Riverton, Akaroa, and Nam. The poll will be declared in June.