Original Correspondence.

Dunstan Times, Issue 280, 6 September 1867, Page 3

Original Correspondence.

Wc-ilo not identify ourselves with the opinions expressed by our correspondents.) THE MAYORALTY OF CROMWELL. 10 THE EDITOR OF THE DUNSTAN TIMES. Sir,—ln your issue of 30th. ult. appears a letter signed "Lover of Consistency" the writer passes some beautiful moral reflections on the inconsistency of human nature in general, and of Mr Barry's supporters in particular. L. 0. C. cannot account for the fact, that any citizen of Cromwell can object to have Mr Barry for Mayor, "Mr Barry" as L. O. C. says, "may have had a few harmless faults" but he has discharged his duties in a very creditable manner, and the rate-payers have every reason to be satisfied."—Touching Mr Barry's harmless faults, and the presumed satisfaction of the ratepayers, 1 shall endeavor to enlighten L.O.C. I disclaim any intention of attacking Mr Barry, as a private person, the nature of the case makes it imperative that I should speak personally, but only in those cases where Mr Barry merges into the Mayor of Cromwell, I may stir a little mud, but it will be only for the purpose of more thoroughly cleansing the well, at the bottom of which the truth lies. Before the month of August, ISC6 Mr Barry was known to the Councillors as a Bough and Ready sort of man, a little (?) given it may be to " blowing " but withal, a certain amount of energy, push, and persiyjrance. Mr Barry contested the first election for Mayor against a gentleman who has since left the district, and was returned over him by a large majority. Mr Barry had with him citizens as unanimous on public matters as could be found, they encouragedhim in his duties, and came forward on all public occasions to defend and support him. Wherever was a man propped up so before, and what has been the result. Did Mr Barry fill the Civic Chair with credit to himself, and to his friends-?—I answer, no, he took greater "responsibility" upon himself: and at onetime endeavoured to stop public works, and then ordered them to go on ;he obstructed officers in the performance of their duty, and refused to sign cheques to pay the workmen appointed by the Council, and he spoke disrespectfully of his Councillors, in both public and private, and can he be said to fill the Civic Chair with credit to himself or his Townsmen. What manner of man docs Mr Barry appear when judged by his actions ; on the occasion of the election of Councillors about a month since, Mr Barry was determined to have his friends around him, by hook or by crook, and though holding the double position of Mayor elect and Returning Officer, ho was to be seen canvassing right and left for his favorite candidates; his conduct on that occasion to Mr Carpenter, one of our oldest residents was peculiarly objectionable, Mr Carpenter always proved himself competent and faithful in the discharge of his public duties, and the general impression is, that he deserved quite different treatment from a man everv way his inferior. 1 think Mr Barry's attempt to forestall Mr TTaggitt's opinion on the late election, knowing that the Council was in communication <ntt% that gentleman on the same subiect, decidedly improper. His conduct towards the School, the only real public institution in the district. knowing as he must the struggles made, and still making by all classes to support it, was most reprehensible. If men endeavour to rid themselves of such a bundle of inconsistencies and pvejudicics, are they to be chanred with inconsistency.? Tf a whole district is to bo kept in a state of broil, to gratify one man's vanity ? T ask no ovcusfi for sending von such alencrrhy epistle, I think the importance of the caso do- ; mands it. I am kc. A Lover of Pe \of. and Faiutiay. Cromwell, Sept. 3rd ISC7.