THE ELECTION.

Patea Mail, Volume III, Issue 248, 25 August 1877, Page 2

THE ELECTION.

(To the Editor of the Patea Mail.) Sir, —Your correspondent “More if required,” reminds me of the “unfortunate man,” never. right, always in trouble, never satisfied. He has made a glorious confession that he, professedly an independent elector, has, for some reason, nnconfessed, pledged his vote to a candidate whom he directly accuses of being a selfish man. His bitter and uncalled for attack on Mr Davidson, coming- from such an avowed personal enemy, must be taken for what it is worth ; but the acknowledgment that his own idol is not much worth, in a public sense, is at least unworthy. What a pity someone else was not nominated. Query—Would “ More if required ” have refused to suffer for his country, had his country possessed the good sense to have fixed its choice on such discriminating intelligence. His puny effort to raise Town against Country rebounds on himself, as Town people will undoubtedly, thanks to the happy reminder of our worthy scribe, take that view of the matter. Whilst Mr Davidson having over 500 acres of rateable land in the country, following the same cate line of reasoning, will secure the unprejudiced country votes. Thinking men always demand a reason, prior to voting for a candidate. What has the advocate of Mr Hunter advanced ? Not one argument has he adduced in Ids favour, save as the possessor of country land, which qualification Mr Davidson likewise possesses. He does not even say whether his candidate is an educated man, or whether a public exhibition of his talents would bring honor or contempt on his constituents, or whether ho has ever tried to advance the district by one single effort beyond Ids own ditch and bank fence.

But lie does admit that where self is concerned, he is selfish ; and, moreover, to take his own words, that lie (Mr Hunter) Is quite able to do a little in that line,” which line referred to is that “ Throughout his residence in the district, known no other view of tilings but to serveJiimself, if not directly, indirectly.” Surely, sir, yon are lacking. The whole letter must be a canard. It never could have been written by a friend of Mr Hunter’s. If so, well may that gentleman exclaim “ save mo from my friends.”

“More if required” accuses me of toadyism. He measures other people’s minds by the puny dimensions of his own little soul.

Lastly, as he refrains from stating his reasons for supporting Mr Hunter, what can one do but measure him by bis own bushel ? What that bushel is most of Hawera knows.

Sir, in spite of all the mud this correspondent tries to spatter on James Davidson, his character shines out with public lustre, and if he has made mistakes, lie has always behaved in a plucky straightforward manner. Men of Hawera —place him at the Head of the Poll! 1 am, &c. ELECTOR.