But he has now taken part with those who have inflicted a grievous injury upon Canterbury. Mr. Hall has given his vote for the Stamp Duties, A learned judge, now living in Englaud, was presiding in court when a man charged with murder had been acquitted by the jury clearly against *he evidence, The judge thus addressed the accused: " Prisoner, a jury of your countrymen have acquitted you; you may go; gaoler, turn him loose on them." If the electors of Healhcote are satisfied with Mr. Hall's conduct, we hopo he may be turned loose on them to com mit any further number of poli tical crimes. Of Mr. Stevens little wes to be expected, and so there can be little disappointment. It would be ridiculous to class him among the real representatives of Canterbury public opinion. He crept into the House by a back door, .nobody knows how, when, or why. If lie represents any interest at all it is most probably that of absentee capi talists who have invested money iu land in the district whose member he is.and whose tenants are acquainted with him as agent of the estates. The only expression of political opinion he ever vouchsafed was to the effect that he approved of Mr. Weld's views. That

happened to be the popular cry of the hour, and was therefore doubtless adopted by him for that reason. As Mr. Steveni represents a pocket borough, he will scarcely think himself called upon to give an account of his actions. Why Mr. Coi should have voted for such a mischievous measure, we are at a loss to conceive. As a rule, his conduct in the House has been reasonable, and tolerably consistent. For some years past, we believe, his mind has been severely exercised about the proß and cons of Timaru separation. A telegram announces that a motion is to be brought before the House to constitute the Timaru district into a county. Eumour Bays that the motion is to be introduced by Mr. Cox, and that, if carried, Mr. Cox will probably be created Earl of Timaru. Possibly some hidden influence connected with this affair may account for the honour able member being found on the side of the Ministry. We have already pointed out ■ the injury that is sure to be inflicted upon the colony by the imposition of the Stamp Duties. 