The Kumara Times. Published Every Evening. SATURDAY, DECEMBER 10, 1831.

Kumara Times, Issue 1624, 10 December 1881, Page 2

The Kumara Times. Published Every Evening. SATURDAY, DECEMBER 10, 1831.

Thk election of Mr ‘FitzGerald by an overwhelming majority doubtless be an unpleasant surprise to a small company ot politicians in Hokitika, but the result will be hailed with satisfaction generally throughout the length and brbadth of the West Coast,- and we believe we may say the colony generally; There is no doubt whatever about that. “ Fair Play is bonny play ” is a sentiment which usually finds an echo in the hearts of men of the Anglo-Saxon race, but we verV much regret to say that Mr Fitz Gerald did not receive fair play in the contest which has just resulted in his return ; the victory is therefore all the greater; He has been systematically vilified and traduced throughout, in the most

cowardly manner, and in a style which should bring the blush of shame to, certain cheeks, if such cheeks were capable of blushing. Of course we are aware that they are not. The long pent-up venom and spleen of a few of those personally interested in preventing his election has been let loose and poured forth in a torrent which might easily have destroyed the chances of a man of inferior ability and popularity to Mr Fitz Gerald. Departing from the ordinary style of insinuation, the most malicious statements have daily flooded the columns of the Hokitika morning paper. This has been done to an extent, and in a manner which has disgusted all right-thinking men, and has no doubt materially aided in producing the I’esult we now see. Any paper, however insignificant it may be, possesses a certain amount of power, and journalistic etiquette teaches the lesson to use that power discreetly and honestly; but let us turn to the-West Coast Times of the 28th of last month, and we find that the whole of Mr FitzGerald’s speech at Ross is entirely suppressed, while the public are treated to nearly a column of answers he gave to questions, most of them of a hostile nature, while at the same time the report is so garbled and distorted as to be palpably one-sided and untruthful. There never was a time in the history of New Zealand, when it was more necessary than it is at the present moment to send to Parliament the most able men who can be found, and those who doubt Mr Fitz Gerald’s ability know nothing whatever about him. When his first session commences he will at once take rank as one of the leaders of the House, and it is not saying too much to affirm that no more intellectually powerful man will be found within the walls of the Assembly. As regards the rank and file of the House he will be a triton among minnows. In spite of his detractors, he has been placed in a position where he both can and will be of service to the State, and mote especially the constituency he lias been chosen to represent. The electors of the Hokitika District have exercised a very wise discretion, and we feel sure that the day is very far distant when they will regret having placed at the head of the poll Gerald George Fitz Gerald. The Returning Officer for this district (W. A. Barton, Esq.) notifies in another column that he will announce the official declaration of the poll, at noon; oii Tuesday next, at the Court House, Kunkra. The mail coach from Christchurch arrived at the Kumara post-office this afternoon at 2.50 o’clock. Mr Rugg’s coach arrived at about the same time. The Charles Edward, from Nelson and Westport, arrived at Grey mouth yesterday morning. Bent and Bachelder’s reorganised Christy Minstrels, which includes sixteen artistes will make their re-appearance in Kumara on Tuesday and Wednesday next. The benefit to be tendered to the Benevolent Society by the local Amateur Dramatic Club takes place on Thursday next. Captain Webb was very near finishing his swimming career lately at TunbridgeWells. In a match for £IOO a side he backed himself against G. A. Jennings to swim for five hours ; neither men to leave the water or touch any boat during the time ; the one who traversed the greatest distance in the time to be the winner. Webb from the stai’t went right away from his opponent; but after being four hours in the water became benumbed. He However, very pluckily held out, and when a half minute was wanted to complete the time could barely hold his head above water. On the pistol being fired he was dragged out of the water, and steps taken to recover him, but it was some time before he was announced to be out of danger. Jennings,- ou the other hand, was perfectly fight, and was greatly concerned at his victorious rival’s serious condition. Prince Alexander, of Bulgaria, complying with the wish of the Emperor of Russia, wilt marry the heiress Mdlle. Jessupoff, who has a dower of 80,000

roubles.-