MR PYKE AND HIS CROMWELL CONSTITUENTS.

Dunstan Times, Issue 775, 23 February 1877, Page 3

MR PYKE AND HIS CROMWELL CONSTITUENTS.

The following correspondence has been handed to us tor publication : (Received 17th February.) Cromwell, Kith Feb., 1877. Vincent P)ke Esq., M.H.R., Sir, I duly received your letter of the Bth inst., and at your request the same avas read before a large and influential meeting in the Athenasum Hall here. In accordance with a resolution passed at the meeting, 1 herewith submit to you a transcript of resolution carried unanimously, viz.:—“ That, seeing the Member lor the Dunstan Electoral District has been making promises, in his capacity as a member of the County Council, he has not fulfilled, he no longer retains our confidence as our representative in the Assembly ; and that he be called upon to resign his seat therein.” 1 am, Sir, Yours obediently, David A. Jolly, Chairman of Meeting. [reply. ] Dunedin, 17th Feb., 1877. David A. Jolly, Esq., J.P., Cromwell. My dear Sir, I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of 10th inst, forwarding a transcript of a resolution passed at a public meeting held at Cromwell on the Bth. I find that I was correct in assuming that the meeting which was caLed, as you intimated to me per telegram, ostensibly to review the Acts of the last session of Parliament was in reality intended to review the proceedings of the County Council. In reply, I deny the proposition with which the resolution commences. I have never hesitated to express ray opinion that the County Town should-not be fixed upon until the boroughs, by merger, became part of the County. To this opinion I have adhered, and still adhere with constancy ; and in accordance therewith I have acted, and shall continue to act. They only are to b’ame for the present position of affairs, who, knowing my views, unwisely precipitated a decision. Even if the premises wore correct, the conclusion of the resolution is inconsequential. As Parliamentary Representative, I am amenable to the electors of the Dunstan District for my public conduct in that capacity. As a member of the County Council I am amenable only to the Electors of the County, of which the borough of Cromwell does not constitute a part, The two positions are distinct and separate, and must not he confused. In the latter capacity I owe no responsibility to the residents of the boroughs, and 1 deny their right to censure, or even to criticise my acts as a Councillor. It is not alleged that I have violated my political pledges, nor that 1 have neglected my Parliamentary duties. The resolution is, therefore, illogical. Because, forsooth, I have done something displeasing to a borough, as a County Councillor I am requeste 1 to resign my seat as a Member of Parliament, to which I was elected by the voters of the entire Dunstnn District ! Surely this is tho very height of unreason ! The resolulionists may rest assured that, regardless of vituperation, and unmoved by clamour, I shall continue to pursue the path of public duty, keeping steadfastly in view tho welfare and prosperity of the large and important District which I have tho distinguished honor to represent. Believe me, I have tho true interests of the people far too much at heart to abandon my post in the hour of danger in compliance with a request which is evidently based on a misunderstanding, and begotten of misrepresentation ; and, until sorao more valid

reason to the contrary can ho shown than is disclosed in the resolution now before mo, I most certainly shall retain my sent in ParLament, Will you kindly convey my answer to tho resolutiunists, and aceomp my it with my assurance that • I am, Their sincere friend and Faithful servant, Vincent Pvke.