Untitled

Manawatu Times, Volume III, Issue 100, 25 September 1878, Page 2

It gives us great pleasure to bear testimony to the zeal displayed by Mr Johnston since the opening of the Session for the interests of this constituency. Although at one time we strongly urged the propriety of l>ia resigning his 9eafc, it was not that we anyway questioned that gentleman's ability as a. representative. On the contrary, we have always had the highest opinion of his capacity, but were guided by a rumor that Mr Johnston wns quite indifferent as to whether or not he continued member for Manawatu. His actions during the present sitting of Parliament have given a flat contradiction to the statement, and he has proved, himself not only willing, but eager to ventilate any grievance which is brought under 'his notice. From his seat m Parliament on Friday he brought the matter of the new goods sheds under attention of the the Minister for Publio Works, and m reply received an assurance from Mr Maoandbew that a new shed would shortly be erected, and also that the projecting end of the old shed, at present Maid to be an inconvenience would be removed. We have to congratulate the townsfolk upon both those promises, and certainly think we may take some little credit to ourselves m having the unsightly eye-sore removed. Then again, Mr Johnston has not been idle m the matter of the establishment of a District Court, advocated both m those columns and at a public meeting. In relation to that most important matter, we have been shown the following letter received by his Worship the Mayor, from our member :— " A District Court will sit m Wanganui once a quarter, and immediately after those sittings, the judge will hold a court at Palroerston." So much for Mr Johnston's efforts on behalf of Palraerston. With regard to the new time-table, he has addressed the following letter to Mr Thtnnb,. the Chairman of the* County Council s — " MrLAWSON assures me that he will send another engine to Foxton'soon after the line is opened to Fmtherston^ Biy ; by the end of October, and I lipii trains will run between Foxton and Palmerston, as between Wanganui and Palmerston Ifc is Mr Lawson's intention to visit, the district shortly, when he will be glad to meet the committee. He will know m a few days at what time his visit will! take place, and inform me." It will be thus seen Miafc Mr Johnston has not been idle, and thnt m having elected to retain his seat he was not satisfied to merely keep it warm. lie is entitled to commendation for bis efforts to advance the interests and supply the wants of the district, and the people of ■Manawntu m general, and Palmerston m particular have good reason to be pleased at the result of ' their united labors. The removal of the unsightly goods shed, after the opposition shown to the step by Mr BlaokbtTj is but another proof that agitation combined with right is sure to be successful m the end.