He would now allude to Mr. Hawkes, as he had a right to do, in his public character; that gentleman had been looked on as the member for Westland rather than Christchurch. After a few more observations, Mr. Williams concluded amid considerable applause. Mr. W. Wilson said that he had the honour of representing Kaiapoi for three sessions, and had given the utmost satisfaction to that district; and he was now coming forward as a representative for this city. Mr. Wilson then enumerated various services which he had done for the public in the Council in former sessions. (Interruption.) Mr. Wilson said he would not continue in the face of this interruption ; he then concluded by re plying to some remarks which had fallen from Mr. Williams with regard to the rates. Mr. Garrick said that some of the pre vious speakers had the advantage of him in having been able to allude to past services; others also had the advantage of him in having touched on all the novel and inviting subjects they could find out. He had been two years in the city, and had borne a good character, and if he was returned he would do his best for his constituency. He thought th§ first question to which they should turn their attention was that of finance. As to politics, he con sidered there were no real politics in pro vincial matters; what the Provincial Council had to do was to expend and distribute the public money; finance, therefore, was the great question, and he would study so as to wipe off" the present debt of £100,000, and avoid debt for the future. He could not agree with the scheme of Mr. Travers for getting money when it was seen that their Waste Lands regulations had worked well so far as compared with those of other provinces; they should not be altered, except so far as regarded the granting of pre-emptive rights. Already the proposal of this alteration had begun to do mischief, for it was said that capital was being held back in consequence. Without a reasonable taxation no public works could be carried on ; but he thought that the present Municipal Council Ordinance did not distribute the taxes justly. 