THE “PATBAS” AT WANGANUI.

Patea Mail, Volume VIII, Issue 1018, 6 April 1883, Page 3

THE “PATBAS” AT WANGANUI.

TO THE EDITOR. - Sir, —l think your “War” Correspondent acted very unwisely in criticising the officers and non-commissioned officers so severely. I can assure you, Sir, that the Patea Eifle Corps, although “ so badly officered,” did their- work quiot as well as those of any other corps present, in confirmation of which I

would refer jour readers to Majors Stapp and Pitt. I fancy your correspondent must have had his feathers ruffled in some way by the Drill Instructor, or he would never have been so severe upon him. I hear that he was told to mind his own business' on one occasion, .and if so, that easily accounts for the spleen displayed by your ‘'special.” Our non-commissioned officers did their work remarkably well. Every other corps but the Patea Rifles had several files of men crowded ont in wheeling, but owing to, the attention paid by the non-commissioned officers, our men were always to the front waiting to be dressed. This, sir, is a fact, and I trust yon will publish this explanation.—Yours, &c., Patea. April 8. FARCICAL ELECTIONS, AND THEIR REMEDY. TO THE EDITOU. Sin,-—I think yon will agree with me that the absurdity of snehan election of a Borough Councillor as took place on Monday last deserves more than passing notice. It is a bircurnslahce that may occur again here, or in any other part of the Colony. <c The Municipal Corporations Act, 1876,” provides wisely that at the time of nominations for the office of Mayor, the candidates shall deposit the sum of ten pounds. This should, I think, be made to apply to all nominations for members of local bodies, and the Patea Borough Council would act wisely to direct the attention of the member of the district towards endeavouring to obtain an amendment to the Act next session as stated. Other Councils would no doubt co-operate. If such were in force now, I question if those ill-advised persons who instigated the farcical proceedings of last Monday’s election were prepared to deposit anything substantial with their tenders for public , applause. It is true they have gained well merited abuse instead. Mischief has, however, been done by Councillors who can ill be spared, having resigned from a feeling of insult. It may not prove an nnraixed evil however, as the simple-minded individual who, under the influence of a few pints of beer, allowed himself to be nominated and elected, will, at all events if he takes office, be more amenable to judicious handling than an erstwhile defeated candidate I wot of.—Ypurs &c., Burgess. April 3,

At theTaranaki Races on Wednesday, the Autumn Handicap was won by Buzzard, 6st 51b ; Mystery, 7st, second ; Normanby, 7st Gib, third. For rest of News, see Fourth Page.