The Globe. THURSDAY, JULY 5, 1877.

Globe, Volume VIII, Issue 945, 5 July 1877, Page 2

The Globe. THURSDAY, JULY 5, 1877.

Coutstcillob Hobbs is a young man who, by dint of industry, energy, and the possession of a considerable amount of what is Colonially termed " cheek," has raised himself from the position of an ordinary tradesman to that of a City magnate, and his efforts have been further rewarded by the dignity of J.P. being conferred upon him. It is not necessary for the purposes of this article to enumerate all the offices which Councillor Hobbs has held, nor to chronicle the instances wherein he has been useful, or the reverse, to the citizens. That he has done good service in his time is undeniable ; but that he has lost his head and acted very mischievously on several occasions is equally true. No better proof of this latter assertion could be adduced than the merest reference to the " Morten's section" purchase scheme, with which he Avas so closely identified ; or to his action as a member of the Drainage Board.

The latest trouble into which his inordinate conceit has led him, was caused by the City Council appointing him their delegate to attend the Conference about to be held at Wellington. Exception to the action of the Council in this matter was taken by an anonymous correspondent of one of our morning contemporaries. The ordinary dictates of —say decency — would have prevented any reference to such an ill-timed and uncalled for letter as that alluded to, but Councillor Hobbs could not let it pass. An opportunity presented itself for Cr. Hobbs to glorify himself, no matter at whose expense, and he readily availed himself of it. But like all persons who are afflicted with that dreadful disease, cacoethes loquendi, he said too much. In the Press of Tuesday last the following statements are attributed to him : —" He wished to regret the remarks that had appeared in that day's Press with reference to this conference .... He happened to

know who the writer of the letter was, and he also knew that the letter had been refused by the Lyttelton Times.''' 1 A greater piece of impudence never came under our notice. Supposing the letter had been refused by the Lyttelton Times, is it at all likely that the editor of that paper would disclose the secrets of the editorial sanctum to Councillor Hobbs ? And supposing he did so, would it not be under the sacred pledge of strict confidence? Councillor Hobbs must, therefore, either have deliberately stated that which was untrue, or have shamefully betrayed the confidence reposed in him. Councillor Hobbs is evidently a friend of the Lyttelton Times. In addition to making the statement we have quoted above, he moved that his favorite journal should be the official organ of the Council for the next six months. It is generally understood that he is the writer of the articles on the drainage question which that journal publishes from time to time. The presumption therefore is, that he was admitted to a participation in editorial secrets, and afterwards greatly abused his position by making the statement we have quoted. Supposing the assumption to be correct that Councillor Hobbs does write on Civic and Drainage matters for the Lyttelton Times, or any other paper, etiquette, at least, demands that secrecy should be observed. But, the contrary being the case, we cannot assign a reason more charitably than by paraphrasing a well-known quotation and saying—- " Vanity, vanity, thy name is Hobbs ! ! ! "

We sincerely trust that Councillor Hobbs will not make such a dreadful mess of his mission to Wellington as he did in returning thanks to the Council for his appointment as a member of the conference. Under any circumstances, we imagine that the editor of the Lyttelton Times will be more careful in future in imparting his confidences to Councillor Hobbs.