THE FORTHCOMING ELECTIONS.

Wellington Independent, Volume XXVI, Issue 3094, 5 January 1871, Page 3

THE FORTHCOMING ELECTIONS.

* (TO THE BDITOB OP THE INDEPENDENT.). Sib, — In previous letters I have briefly referred to the causes that have greatly tended to bring about the present prostrate state of afftura. The question very naturally arises, where is the remedy ? And as it is impossible that the whole of the community can enter our Parliament, each one to have his own say, we are obliged to send representatives to speak for us. The time has arrived when . representatives of the people are required. That abuses have sprung up, and that this province and part of the island has been grossly neglected no one can deny.? That our country still remains a terra incognita to a great extent for the want of railroads. That our splendid harbor still remains without a dock or slip ! That there is a tot^t cessation of any publio works ! That our population -is decreasing! That local industries are not fostered and protected, and that even the roads that we have are fast going to decay for the want of means to repair them is clear to every elector both in city and country ! What do we want P In the first place, as the matter must be left in the hands of those we elect to represent us in the General Assembly, we want unanimity of opinion in those we eleot. Unfortunately, as I-have said in previous letters, there is no joint action " in the House," on the part of our members. Fancy, for instance, the member for Porirua opposing the introduction of Towens' Act — an act that will, when in full operation, confer the greatest possible benefit upon the country generally ; also, look at the want of support that the Wairarapa member received when ho was so ably advocating, the just claims of Wellington to have a .railway immediately commenced which would open up the valuable country at present only known to a few solitary travellers, and whioh would develope the resources of the best part of island. There are innumerable instances of that want of unanimity on the part of our members that ought to exist between them. Do you see the Auckland or Otago members divided upon questions of vital importance to them ? No; on the contrary, they [are always "in the House," and like " the good shepherd," looking after their flock. Our. shepherds are off duty and the flock is scattered ; hence, the present wretched state of affairs. Upon the great questions now before the country, it would be wise on the part of the electors of this city and province to have a very full expression of tho views of those who seek the suffrages of the people. It is not enough for us to say that we know their views ; we do not know them. It is quite clear that the present state of affairs cannot last, and that taxation has assumed a magnitude that threatens absolute ruin to "all? It is quite clear that the Government of the country is too expensive, and that " The paramount abuse in the Civil Service appears in idle and needless formalities, and complication of work, in a word, the miserable place creating redtapeism of tho system." Jraitrs.

jeoted, but ifc had been carried without them by the Opposition supporting the Government. He only hoped the money would be well spent. . . He avowed himself in favor of a fair and moderate amount of protection, as it was only in the development of new industries that there was any hope of employment for the rising population, and with the many exceptional difficulties young j industries had to contend with here, it was impossible they, could compete on equal terms with older countries." Q«

(TO. THE BDITOB OP THB INDEPENDENT .) - Sib,— l did not know, in signing the paper that Mr Plimmer carried round, that it contained a request to Mr Riohmond to stand for Wellington. I consider I have been " sold." I will never vote for a man to represent this city of nine thousand inhabitants who cannot get in for a' small constituency in Taranaki. — I am, &o, Johnib. IWe have heard of similar complaints from ! others.— Ed. "W.l."] '