PATRIOTISM.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XV, Issue 242, 12 October 1880, Page 2

PATRIOTISM.

To the Editor ot thbj " Evejstikg. Ma.ii,."

Sir — I have but little time for writing, bat I will make time to congratulate the citizens of Nelson on their decision at the meeting held in the Provincial Hall on Thursday

night last, the question being "Shall our Municipal Council borrow money or not?" The ratepayers Baid with one voice " No," thus showing that they have learnt a lesson from the great American philosopher Franklin, who snid, " It is better to go to bed supperlesß than to rise in debt." Do not call Nelson " Sleepy Hollow " again, while Nelson possesses more general knowledge than the 'Parliament. Tears since had tho representatives of our country when in Parliameut assembled come to the like resolution as the ratepayers of Nelson on Thursday night last yve should not now be in the perilous position in which wo are 4 , bd nonsensical talk about econohuj (I am disgusted at tho word) or a reduction of ten per cent would be required, but it is "those who laad us cause us id err, and destroy the ways of our paths." But it appears conspicuously that the people of Nelson are not to bo decoyed into a false position by. an ignis fatuUs in the shape of a cGstiy Israelite, who by hypocritical preceuiiona oE a brilliant prosperity decoyed the 'collective wisdom" p£ New Zealand into a belief that ho would take theui across the Red Sea dry shod, but tlie day of judgment has arrived, and'Moaes bas goho : whli the spoils of Egypt in his pocket, leaving us to lament pur Credulity; but it appears the people are not so easily led astray, no, tho ratepayers are more cautious. Mr Dryco, during the lest session of Parliament, said "ho did not know where the money was gonel" If be did not know he pretty well guessed, and so does the editor of the Fotl know, but they do not dare say what they know. — I am, &c, Simple Simox.

Nelson, October 11,1880.