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Manawatu Times, Volume II, Issue 23, 6 January 1877, Page 2

We could have wished to have seen the Manawatu County Council signalise its entry into existence m a more promising way than by the formation of a clique ; for that this was the object of the meeting of Councillors held m Foxton on

•Wednesday evening last is obvious, notwithstanding the anxiety of those who took part m it to make it appear that they were only consulting for the general good. However, the ratepayers of the County have or may have' two consolations : one, that of knowing that the clique has done no harm as yet ; and the other, that the said clique is not likely to be longlived. Under the County system which has just been inaugurated among us, there is, as Mr Halcombe remarked, no such institution as a " county town;" and, as to the place of meeting of the Council, our own impression is that m pleasing themselves m that matter the members of the Council will please the public. The only objectors to any locality which the Council may choose to meet m will probably be the hotel-keepers m other places, who will feel that, had their own neighbourhood been fixed upon, they might have had some six or seven additional customers once a month. The place of meeting is nothing to dispute about, and the Chairman who has been chosen is a very eligible one, well known m the district as an intelligent and energetic man of business, and enjoying the confidence of his constituents, as was shewn by the fact of their returning him at the head of the poll. No other harm has been done, therefore, than that which consists m an objectionable exhibition of party spirit, and an alliance founded m pique — as, upon Mr Sanson's shewing, this has been — is only a rope of sand. We do not wish to say anything unkind of Mr Sansou or the Vigilance Committee, however, though we think they have made a mistake m this matter. We can make allowance for their feelings, because our sympathies are with them m the matter of the tramway. Even selfishness, if it were far-seeing, would teach the people of Feilding, Palmerston, and Foxton, not to disregard the interests of the neighbouring districts, with which they are sure to have commercial intercourse to some extent.. That intercourse will be more profitable if these districts be rich than if they be poor, and it is therefore clearly the interest of the more favoured localities to help those that are less prosperous than themselves. After their own immediate wants have been supplied, Foxton, Palmerston, and Feilding will, if they be wisely selfish, put their heads together to devise means of helping such districts as Sandon, Kiwitea, and Otaki. It may be said that we are now advocating that very unbusinesslike thing, abstract benevolence, and calling it by another name. Our answer is that all benevolence pays or is expected to do so, even when its paper is drawn upon the other world and therefore not negotiable m this. In short, that benevolence which does not come under the definition of far-seeing selfishness may- exist among the angels, but is far too- sublime a thing for men. One more remark before the limited space at our disposal compels us to conclude. The claims of the Manchester Riding to a second representative are indisputable, if population and rates are to be assumed as the basis of representation. Kiwitea and Horowhenua to return one member between them and Manchester two, would undoubtedly be the proper arrangement on this principle. _