Correspondence.

Hawke's Bay Times, Volume 15, Issue 786, 12 May 1870, Page 2

Correspondence.

{We do not in any way identify ourselves wjth the opinions of correspondents,] THE REPRESENTATION OF THE NAPIER COUNTRY DISTRICT. TO THE EDITOR 0E THE HAWKE'S BAY TIMES. Sir,—A few days ago I happened to pick up a scrap of the Auckland Weekly News of September last, and there read a piece which struck me as being so apropos to the state of things existing here that I deemed it advisable to forward an extract of the same, with a few comments upon it, to you, trusting to your kindness to insert the same in your valuable paper. The writer, in describing a meeting of the Franklin and Raglan Eeform Associa tion, says:— I regret to say that so great is the continued apathy of country settlers in all political matters that not even these stirring times will draw them from their usual avocatious. * * * It is really lamentable to see the utter indifference with which the majority of persons residing in these districts regard the forthcoming elections. No interest, no thought, no care is taken in matters political until the shoe pinches their own foot, and then an ineffectual (because too late) cry is heard. Instead of agitating at the proper time, and selecting and voting for the best men, they let the golden moments fly, and when tlie time for action comes it is found that everything has to be arranged; there is no union, and consequently there can be no strength. It is quite in the power of the country districts, by concerted and united action, to send good men and true to the Provincial Council. But to do this some little sacrifice of time and money is necessary; which, after all, will be a capital well invested and likely to return unprecedented interest. —With reference to the foregoing extract, I would beg leave to point out to the electors of the Napier Country District the fact that their last election for the Pro vincial Council was, to say the least of it, a farce, and a walk over for the want of "concerted and united action" on their part. Let me ask them to candidly acknowledge whether they are satisfied with —not their choice, but chosen representative. And also to bestir themselves and try if they cannot find some one to represert them in the Council who has something at stake in their district —who will pledge himself to attend to the affairs of the district particularly and the Province generally, and not look out for the loaves and fishes, but be what each member should DtJj —thoroughly independent of Government patronage. The shoe now pinches, and there is barely time to remedy it. Therefore, 1 would beg of them to look out for the man they would like to have, and at once form committees to conduct the business of the forthcoming election. —I am, &c, ; Meanee, May 9, 1870. X.Y.