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New Zealand Tablet, Volume X, Issue 510, 19 January 1883, Page 15

♦ [SHOP MOHAN has no reason to complain of the reception given to his candidature for the Peninsula. He has been everywhere well received ; and heard with attention and respect. In fact, we might go farther, and say that everywhere his reception has been cordial, and even enthusiastic. It would be incorrect, however, to say that this reception has been accorded altogether in consequence of his principles. No doubt, on political subjects, the overwhelming majority of the electo- s are in accordance with him ; but there can be no doubt that, on the subject of public education, the one that interests him most, and on which alone he presents himself for election, there is a large body which does not only not sympathise with him, but is in direct opposition to him. Nevertheless, even these admire the Bishop's honesty, consistency and manliness ; and for the most part acknowledge that he has solid grounds for his position in reference to this subject. Nor can they be unmoved by the evident trust the Bishop reposes in the love of justice and fair play of the electors, and by the chivalry with which he confides in their integrity and impartiality. From first to last the Bishop and the electors seem to have thoroughly understood each other. Their experience of each other for many years has enabled them to understand and appreciate the good to be found on both sides. It is this that has made their relations during this election contest so pleasant. The Bishop, on several occasions, has not failed to recognise all this ; and to give expression to his appreciation of it. Again and again has he felt himself called upon to thank the electors for their kind and complimentary reception of him. This is a pleasing feature in this contest, and cannot but be attended with good results in many ways. It augurs well for the settlement of the education question on lines of justice and equity, and for the future kindly relation of various classes, which is so desirable. It is to be regretted that the Press of Dunedin did not follow the good example of the citizens, and abstain from a species of opposition, which has been neither just nor politic, nor conciliatory. Instead of the calm attitude so striking in the inhabitants, almost without exception, the Press of this city has, to a great extent, thrown the education question into the back ground, and appealed to prejudice, misrepresentation, and old women's tales, in order to excite an unworthy prejudice against the Bishop's candidature, if not against the Bishop himself. But, to the credit of the electors of the Peninsula, and of the citizens generally, the storm has been invoked in vain. The frantic appeals of the Press, and of poor, cowardly, anonymous writers, have fallen flat, failed to evoke the least response from the public. The conduct of all with whom the Bishop has come in contact, whether in public meeting or elsewhere, has throughout been that of courteous, refined gentlemen. And we may safely say that, be the result of the polling what it may, this is a circumstance that cannot fail to produce a deep impression on the Bishop and his supporters, and conduce to much good in the future.