ORIGINAL CORRESPONDENCE.

Oamaru Mail, Volume IV, Issue 1306, 14 June 1880, Page 3

ORIGINAL CORRESPONDENCE.

TO THE EDITOR OF THE OA3IABU MAIL. Sir, —A writer in the last issue of the Matt, asks for some information from me, I have grave doubts about the writer being a county elector, much less a County ratepayer, but rather think he is a '• vissionary" in Tyne-street. As I invariably put my name to what I write, " County Elector" should have done the same when he replies to, and asks an answer from, me. Any man who has the spirit of a hen in him should do so, and not act the sneaking cur and yelp from behind a hedge ; and if he has not the manliness or moral courage to show himself, he should quietly and modestly stand aside. Having now let " County Elector " down so gently, I will be generous even to a hidden foe.

The state of almost irretrievable ruin into which our legislators have brought the countrv was given by me as a good and sufficient reason why they should now help us out of onr difficulties. Were the County finances in anything like the same state " Connty Elector " might have some reason for his questions to me. " County Eleotor" says I am a particular friend of Mr. Reid. I never met Mr. Reid until three weeks ago—the day of the meeting at the Star and Garter. I saw him again in the Volunteer Hall. I have not seen him or had any communication with him since. " County E'ector again asks, " If I favor the reduction of all honoraria." Most certainly I do, especially when the said honoraria'has to come out of a purse made out of a "soo's lug." and in a very " toom " state (the state of the public purse at present). Again he asks, "If I will forego a portion of my salary as County Chairman." I will gladly forego it all if not wanted for the special purpose for which it was voted—that is, the expenses inseparably attached to the office.

"Connty Elector" might at the same time ask the Mayors of municipalities to devote their time and money to the towns without being in some measure re-imbursed as ask me to do the same for the County. Admitting all this—there is no analogy between my case and an M.H.R. He enjoys the privilege and has the honor of making law 3 while I, as a County Chairman, only help to administer certain of these laws. Of this, 1 am certain, there is not a ratepayer in the connty for one moment thinks that for services rendered by me in any public capacity I wonld benefit myself pecuniarly thereby. Hitherto I have always found it the other way about. —I am, &c., D. Si:thep.la>"D.