MR INGLES AND THE CHEVIOT ELECTION.

Globe, Volume XXI, Issue 1730, 5 September 1879, Page 2

MR INGLES AND THE CHEVIOT ELECTION.

TO THE EDITOIi OF THE FEESS. Sib, —I hare observed for the lnet fortnight that I have been repeatedly described in the columns of Ohristchurch papers as a " Ministerial candidate." I learnt to-day the roason for it. A fortnight ago I received s telegram from Colouc-1 Whitmore, who I ma/ say is an old friend of twenty-one years* standing, and who, apart from politics, would be glad to see me in the House. I do not happen to have his tolegram in my pocket, but the following is the eubstance of it—" Will you stand on policy as denned in the Governor'! speech. If you will you shall have the entire support of the party, even if defeated you will have claims to consideration." I replied without hesitation—" I could not possibly stand on those terms." To-day I have learnt that Colonel Whitmore's telegram to me was sent to Mr Alexander St. Clair Inglis, who lives at Kaikouru, Hawke's Bay. For yearg this gentleman and myself must have

mutually known of one another, although wo have never mot, my letters and papers having often been sent to him and vice versa. This, however, is the first instance of a telegram going to the wrong man, they may have, but none of his have come to me. Mr Inglis, of Hawke s Say, being a strong anti-Greyite, instantly rnahed with my telegram to hi* local political chief, who at once telegraphed to his Canterbury confreres. I do not wish to reflect on Mr Inglis’ conduct in the matter in anyway, as it would appear that it is the recognised way on both sides of darling with telegrams that don’t belong to you. To many it may appear a just retribution on Colonel Whitmore. However, Sir, I hope you will recognise the necessity of publishing this letter, as embodying my reply to Colonel Whitmore’s telegram. As the latter appears to be public property, so should the answer. Will you, therefore, kindly allow this letter to appear in your paper as soon a* may be convenient to you, recollecting that the Cheviot election takes place on Saturday next F I may add that my speech at Kaikoora, as reported in the Christchurch papers, would scarcely bear the interpretation that I am »n admirer of Sir George Grey, his policy, or his Ministry. Yours, &c., Heket A. Ihglbs. Hurunui, Sept. 3rd.