THE MAYOR AND LEITH WARD.

Evening Star, Issue 2999, 28 September 1872, Page 2

THE MAYOR AND LEITH WARD.

To the EdUor. giß ( —“ Fools rush in where angels fear to tread.” lam induced to make this remark upon reading a letter in this morning’s Times signed ’‘Observer,” in which he makes some remarks upon the recent meeting of ratepayers in Leith Ward, re Mr Councillor Thonemau’s conduct. “Observer” states, amongst other things, that one solution of that meeting is as follows: —“It is said to bea little game played, if not at the instigation of Mr E'ish, at all events by his friends, and in his interests, for the removal from, tho (Innnril of a dangerous rival for mayoral honors at the next election, and hia removal in such a way as to destroy auy chance ho might otherwise have of aucces-fully contesting the election against Mr Fish. Ido not know on exactly what grounds this statement is made, but certainly the presence at the meeting of Mr Fish’s henchmen —Isaac, Lowry, and Sherwin —and the very active part they took iu in it, give color to the supposition, 1 don't doubt but that the citizens will make note of the event, and it may crop up again some other day.” Now it is evident to mo that the writer has misnamed himself; for if he were an “Observer” of passing events, be would have seen from a perusal of the reports of the meeting that Me;s.'S Isaac and Lowry supported Mr Thoneman, and that it was mainly through their demand, for what they conceived to be fair play, that a vote of confidence was parsed in Mr i honeman. IS ow if the said meeting had been got up at my instigation, as insinuated by “ Observer, and ii. Messrs Issac and Lowry were, as stated, my “henchmen,” and my desire was to have Mr Thoneman removed from the Council, it is only fair to assume that those gentlemen would have pursued quite a different line of conduct j it is only reasonable to imagine that they would have joined those amongst the meeting who were opposed to Mr Thoneman, and would have put, perhaps, some questions which it would have been exceedingly difficult for that gentleman to have answered satisfactorilywhen the result might have been very different from what it was. I am, however, quite sure it is unnecessary for me to disclaim having had anything to do with the meeting in question. It is a nutter ©f the most supreme indifference to me whether Mr Thoneman is a member of the ( ouncil or not, o.’ whether, if I should stand again for Mayor next year, he should be an opponent. I have opposed that gentlemen before, and if circumstances require it, should have no hesitation iu doing so again. lam not quite sure as to the meaning attempted to be • nveyed by the term “henchmen,” but if it means slavish followers, or anything of that sort, I beg to disclaim auy connection of that kind wi’.h Messrs Isaac and Lowry. That these gentlemen have been supporter* of mine, I am pleased to admit; but 1 feel quite sure that if my conduct should be such as not to incut their approval, they are quite as likely ou some future occasion to become {■ • remoat amongst my opponents. I hope, however, to retain their esteem as well as that of tho large number of my follow citizens who have hitherto suppoited me. Iu conclusion, I would advise “ Observer,” before ho rushes into print again, to bo quite sure as to his facts, and not to distort them for the purpose either of toadying Mr Thoneman, or having a fling at Your obedient servant, H. S. Fish, Jun. Dunedin, Sept. 27, 1872.