MR SHERWOOD IN REPLY.

Patea Mail, Volume III, Issue 273, 24 November 1877, Page 2

MR SHERWOOD IN REPLY.

(To the Editor of the Patea Mail.)

Sir,—l have for a long time consistently ignored all letters and allusions to myself that have appeared in your columns, but the queries contained in the letter signed “ Argus” are so pointed, and are put in so apparently friendly a spirit, that I feel almost bound to answer. I have used the term “ apparently friendly;” because it is not at all improbable that “Argus” may have adopted this guise for the purpose of drawing me into a newspaper controversy. If such is the case, I may as well inform him at once that lie has made a mistake.

I will, however, assume that “ Argus” is really actuated by the spirit which he expresses, and do my best to answer his questions. I feel that I cannot do myself of “Argus” justice without going to sonle considerable length. The first is a general question, and several special ones follow. I will answer them in the order in which they are put. The first is—“ What is my reason for resigning the chairmanship of the County Council ?” No doubt many of your readers will remember that when the contest for the County election took place, I held a series of public meetings, at which I stated that I was seeking the oflice of Chairman, and that, if I got it, I should expect to be paid, as I did not consider that anyone in the County could afford to attend to the' duties, as they ought to be attended to, without reasonable remuneration. I told the electors at the same time, that I had put the matter plainly before them, so that they might reject me if they disapproved of liiy intentions. Since that time; T have Had some experience—quite sufficient to confirm the impression I then had. I have had to take a by no means unimportant share in the inauguration of the County system in this County ; and in doing so, I have found (as I expected) that there has been a very serious demand upon my time —so much so, indeed, that with the attention I have given to other public matters, I have had but little time for myself, and I see plainly that there will be a gradual but certain increase of Work, some of which will tax the abilities and absorb the time of whoever undertakes it.

When the Legislature framed the Counties Act, provision was made to enable County Councils to pay its Chairman. No doubt it was foreseen that_ it would be impossible to get these duties performed gratuitously for any lengthened period ; but, Sir, I am of opinion that the Legislature might and ought to have gone further, and made provision for the payment of members. I consider that it is monstrously absurd and unreasonable to expect gentlemen to leave their homes, and in man}’ cases ride long distances, to attend to public duties, and then to pay for the luxury. I consider that they should at least bo recouped expenses out of pocket ; and this will have to be done, or the system will never work. I consider it is the falsest economy to have these services rendered gratuitously, and if the system is continued, this will become apparent in an unmistakable mianfief.

Now, I hope “Argus” and others will not rrdsconstrue me. I am putting the matter as dearly as I can, in a broad general way, and having decided not to seek re-election, I hope I shall not be accused of personal motives. Those who know me will not, I think, accuse me of mercenary motives. I hold two other important public offices, both of which are honorary, and I do not think I can be accused of neglecting ray duty to either of them—nor as Chairman of the County Council. 1 take leave to say that the conducting of the affairs of the Patea County Council, will compare favorably with any others. I have nearly fulfilled my term, and for one of the reasons stated above, I now wish to step aside and allow a man who can better afford it to take my place.

In answer to the question, “ Is it because he has been abused ?” I can answer this at once in the negative—that is, if I comprehend “ Argus” aright. I presume he means the effusions that have so constantly appeared in your columns. Surely “ Argus” does, not know me, or he would never think I should be seriously affected by such inane effusions. No ; what time I have had, has been, I think, better disposed of than by treating your “Watch Dogs,” “Tom Cats,” “Wild Cats,” and “Flax Bushes” with anything more than a contemptuous silence. I happen to know these vapouring scribblers, and knowing them, cart well afford to pass them by—so that, so far as outside of the Council is concerned, I assure “ Argus” that the abuse has not had the smallest effect upon me. Inside the Council the case is very different ; and here I would state the greatest reason why lam resigning. If this difficulty could be overcome, I would cheerfully waive all others, and, if the Council wished, continue on as usual. But I am sure it cannot be overcome. That being the case, I consider the only honorable course open to me is to take the action I have determined upon. It is pretty well known that there are those who entertain feelings of the bitterest kind towards myself, and, as far as I know, but for_ one reason —they wish to secure the position I now hold. In the endeavour to effect this object, every difficulty ha's been raised, and every obstruction that could, on the smallest psetext be manufactured, has been made a burning question for hot discussion in the Council, It is quite true as “Argus” remarks, that when these matters have come to the vote, but one, or at most two votes have been recorded against me. That has been the natural result of an investigation;- but what has been the effect? It is this—many of the Councib lors are becoming so thoroughly disgusted that they talk- of resigning. One of them actually placed his resignation m my hands, but I induced him to retain his seat. Now, all this- dissatisfaction has been caused by those who are opposed to me. O’Connell said “'Remove the cause, the' effect will cease.” In removing myself, I shall be removing the cause—let ns hope the effect will cease. I have nominated as ray successor, a gentleman in whom I believe the Council have entire confidence; and, as* a Councillor, I will give him all the assistance in my power (for I do not intend to' resign my seat).

This County Council business is nd child’s play. It requires serious attention and careful consideration, arid it is most undesirable that the time of Councillors should be taken Up by petty bickerings and reiterated accusations, to the exclusion of seiisible discussions on serious matters; and there are many serioris matters to be attended to riow, and others are constantly arising. To these 1 wish the Council to turn attention, and I wish to join them in doing so, arid to endeavour to make the Council more unanimous in pushing ahead with Comity works; and to endeavor, to secure something for the County which will be the means of lightening taxation, and aid efforts to open up the county for settlement. . .These are important considerations, and I would be the last to stand in the way of their accomplishment Rather let me be in a position to assist; and I think I can best do that by the course I am taking, i simply wish to see tlio Council work unanimously for the common good, and that will far outweigh all private considerations.

“Is he (Mr Bridge) to receive a larger Salary than the present Chairman ?”—well; that is a. question for the Couricil to decide. I think i have said enough to indicate the direction I should vote in if the questiori Came up. I thank “ Argus ” for reminding me that I “ hold a very high and honorable position, and one not lightly to be cast aside.” I do most .sincerely assure him that I am fullv sensible of it, and I am not casting the ’ position aside without feelings of sincere regret—for, as Chairman of this County, I have had an honest desire to do all in my power for its welfare. In these efforts 1 should have been more successful had it not, been for the actions of busy internieddlers. —I am, &c. G. F. SHERWOOD.

MR FOOKES, THE GREAT BENEFACTOR OF THE WORKING CLASSES.

{To the Editor df the Patba- Mail.) Sir —In reply to Mr Fookes’ letter of tlie 3rd instant, with reference to his remarks as to what I said at the Normanby meeting re Small Farm Association, I was under the impression at that meeting, that the Waste Lands Board had made a great mistake by selling a block of live thousand acres of land to a speculator like Mr Fookes. Since then I have had an opportunity of seeing the land, and must congratulate. the Waste Lands Board for making an excellent bargain; fori am quite sure that, after inspection, anyone wbl agree with me, that it is Mr Fookes that has made the greatest blunder in buying such country. Also I would recommend those intending to take land up in Mr Fookes’ Midhirst Special Settlement to apply to his bush tenants at the Wairoa for information as to whether Mr Fookes’ great anxiety to settle the people on the land is for the good of the people themselves, or is it not to benefit his own purse. I am quite sure your readers will agree with me,- that we have had, and still have,' by far too many land agents, land sharks,and speculators, who come between the Government and the people, depriving the hard working man of his rights, studying nothing moie than how to fill their ownpockets at the expense of others. I shall be most happy to answer any communication Mr Fookes thinks proper to address to me through the medium of this paper.—l am, &c. THOMAS HOBSON. Ketemarae, iGth November,-1877. [Note. —We do not consider the tone of the above letter at all fair, and except that the writer appended his own name, it would not have been inserted. It is more in the shape of dirt throwing than argument. Government have failed ingetting people on the land. Men of the' Fookes stamp are giving practical proof of what may be done, and are opening the eyes of both Government and the people to what remains to be done and how best to do it- Except for Mr Fookes the Ketemarae Small Farm Association idea would not have so

quickly matured. In many ways the Fookes idea and settlement scheme have done good both for Taranaki and Patea. Mr Fookes can, however, speak for himself, if be cares to do so.—Ed. Mail.]