IN DEFENCE OF THE LATE MR BALLANCE.

Feilding Star, Volume XVII, Issue 83, 4 October 1895, Page 2

IN DEFENCE OF THE LATE MR BALLANCE.

TO THE EDITOR OF THE STAB. Sir,—l did not know the late Mr Ballance personally. My only knowledge was gained by reading the newspapers which gave reports of his political career. From what I there learned I think he was a good man who tried to do his utmost for the whole colony, and especially for tbe poor. In my opinion it is a shame that Mr W r ilks in his letter to the Star, on 24th September, should apply such a title to the honorable name of Mr Ballance as that of " mountebank." The pity of it is that Mr Ballance should have been taken away so soon. Ido not think he would have put on the shoulders of the workers tbe awful burdens they now bear in the shape of Bank guarantees, nor do I think he would have advocated the present Customs tariff which puts such heavy loads on tbe poor. He would not bave made a boast of a free breakfast table because he took 2d per lb off tea because tbe poor people only use halt' a pound a week. Mr Wilks, let tbe dead rest in peace. We will try and get a good man at the next election, and at the same time keep in mind tbose socalled Liberal members who have voted through thick and thin with our oppressors, for their own benefit and £240 for three or four months work, and other little things in the shape of seats on boards and commissions, yet who boast they only do it for the honor of the thing. I remember the Marton B tfiquet, but bave not heard of donations to the Palmerston Hospital or tlie poor. I am, etc., Fishmonger.