SEDDON IN DEFENCE.

Kumara Times, Issue 177, 28 April 1877, Page 2

SEDDON IN DEFENCE.

[to the editor.]

Sir,—ln yesterday's issue of your journal an anonymous letter, signed " Observer," would make it appear, if unchallenged, that I had deserted my post when the questioa of Hospital subsidy was under consideration in the County Council on Wednesday last That such was not the case, I will by the following clearly shew. In the finance committee, I carried a motion thatKumara and Totara Districts be subsidised by two pounds for every pound voluntarily subscribed, and in committee I proposed that the same be agreed to. An amendment to this was moved by Mr Hirter fixing a lump sum for each, of the above districts. Seeing it was hopeless to carry my own proposition, I supported Mr Hirter's amendment and did battle for a good hour As there were only eight members present and four for, and the same number against, the amendment of Mr Dale the Chairman's casting vote would have carried it. I advised the supporters of Mr Hirter's motion to leave the chamber. This move would have left no quorum, and by the time the Council met again, Mr Mc'Gaflin could be present, and as he had promised me his support on this question, the defeat and discomfiture of the West Coast Times and Hokitika clique on this question would have been complete. My last words on this question before leaving the Council Chamber were to this effect:—"On behalf of Kumara, I claim, as a right, a subsidy. Many cases will arise where removal to Hokitika at once, would terminate fatally j the Council would in such a case be morally guilty of manslaughter, and as the feeling between the Residents of Kumara and the governing bodies was not of the best, to conduce to the benefit of both ; the Council by refusing a subsidy would only bemadding.fuel to the flames, and if refused I should, against my will, be forced to support those who were agitating for p Municipality, as that would be the only means left of supporting a local Hospital. At an early date I shall, on the platform, give an account of my stewardship, and ask the consent of my constituents to allow me to resign.

E, J. Seddon. Kumara, April 28.