CORRESPONDENCE.

Poverty Bay Standard, Volume IX, Issue 996, 8 November 1881, Page 2

CORRESPONDENCE.

[ JVe do . not hold ourselves responsible for opinions expressed by our correspondents'].

ANTI-BUNKUM V. SETTLER.

TO THE EDITOR. Sir, —In the “Pouawa Lament” or “ The Belfast People’s Escape,” a poem, the authorship of which is so well known, are the following words — O, were your titles rotten, your schemes were they too thin.” And in “ Settler’s ” letter, which appeared in your issue of the sth mst., I read as follows :—“ Sir, the scheme is too thin.” Ergo, it may reasonably be assumed that “ Settler ” and the author ef the “ Pouawa Lament ” are one. Presuming this to be true I shall be the better able to solve the problems promulgated by that astute writer who knows so well how to make himself “ understood in his national language.” In the first place he admits that he was altogether in error in writing the following sentence from the Free Lance, viz., “ What possible inducement Mr. Locke had to come forward still remains a profound mystery,” and then he proceeds to show that the “ inducement was great indeed” because (following out his own argument) Mr. Locke is the only candidate in the field who is fitted to fill the office of Native Minister. As to the remarks made by “ Settler ” in reference to Mr. Locke’s private affairs, I regret that he should have shown so little sense of what is proper and becoming even in a political opponent. I can only say in the language of the immortal bard—

“ Thou wrong’s! a gentleman, who is as far from thy report as thou from honour.” “Settler” asks “is Anti-Bunkum” aware “that Mr. Locke’s Waikohu run is in the market ?” Also, is Anti-Bunkum “ aware that Mr. Locke after being elected ” (you see he admits that Mr. Locke will be elected) “ to represent this district may, and probably will, quietly put his landed interest in his pocket and retire to his home in Napier.” Sir, this is simply begging the question. It is well known that constituencies which are devoid of men of sufficient intelligence to, represent them in Parliament, both here and in the'old country, are constrained, at times, to seek abroad for that which they cannot find at home. Mr. Locke, it is true, has a residence in Napier, but all his interests are centred in Poverty Bay, where he also resides fully one-half of his time, and as I am assured, will shortly become a permanent resident, which for a long time has been his earnest desire. It is quite clear, however, and the ballot will prove what I say, that he is a long way better qualified to represent this district in Parliament, than those who claim support as purely local men. “ Settler ” ascribes to Mr. Gannon all the knowledge that is necessary for bringing local Bills before the House. Sir, any fool can introduce a Bill to Parliament—the form is a very simple one indeed—but it takes a wise man to frame his Bill in such a way that it shall meet the requirements of his constituents, and, also, have the sense to introduce it in such language and with such becoming modesty, yet firmness of demeanor as will gain support on the one hand and disarm opposition on the other. Sir, from what we know of Mr. Gannon, even in the short time he has been blowing his own trumpet in this community, his best friend cannot accord to him the gift of modesty, moderation, or firmness. He has proved himself woefully wanting in the “ suaviter in modo ” and lacks to an alarming extent the “ fortiter in re.” But, Sir, Mr. Gannon is a young man, and I should be sorry to damp his youthful ardour. He has just been returned a member of the Cook County Council, happily without opposition. Let him first work out his apprenticeship in that position, before seeking to be placed upon an equality with those more advanced in the craft. Au revoir Mr. Gannon—“ Settler ” I should have said —try for the future to express your views a little more politely in the “ national language ” with which you are so well acquainted ; and in course of time I have no doubt you will gain the esteem of an admiring public.—l am, &c., Anti-Bunkum.