The Telephone. PUBLISHED EVERY EVENING. GISBORNE, SATURDAY, JULY 5.

Poverty Bay Standard, Volume I, Issue 175, 5 July 1884, Page 2

The Telephone. PUBLISHED EVERY EVENING. GISBORNE, SATURDAY, JULY 5.

Some of the arguments used in defence of those members who so liberally voted themselves the fuil honorariutu of /"eio each for eleven days sitting are far more amusing and ingenious than convincing; and nothing can obliterate the incongruity shown by the faction whose members only a few short hours previously had well nigh exhausted their utmost ingenuity in pouring forth invective upon invective against the Government for “ squandering” the public money. These men had, a couple of days before, stood up in the same place and given vent to most pathetic expressions of concern at the present deplorable financial position of these colonies, and drew gloomy pictures of the fiscal gulf which was said to be yawning in front, and into which the country must inevitably be. plunged unless saved by their fostering care and guidance: the cure for the present financial and commercial depression was alone to be found in the words “retrenchment and economy,” and every possible effort was made to demonstrate that the deficit was not attributable to low prices of produce and the consequent falling off of revenues, but to the Goverment having squandered 50,000 above the real income—the latter, it was hinted, having been over estimated for this purpose. But that all this clap-trap was but the means towards attaining a certain end is best shown by the manner in which they acted when the vote of want of confidence was carried. The mask was at once removed, and their previously expressed concern, sorrow, and anxiety, together with all their demonstrative and lively patriotism faded away and, like jackals who scare away the vultures by their dismal howls in order that they themselves may batten on the carcase, each one evinced a most indecent haste to further plunder and impoverish the needy and well nigh exhausted exchequer and to increase those difficulties which they had just previously hypocritically deplored. This alone is the sort of Liberalism which really exists in these Colonies and is a fair type of the “ unearned increment,” prophets following. One of the arguments in excuse of their action is that poor members are dependent upon their honorarium ; but we venture to say that Sir George and other wealthy members of his party were not the last to apply for their cheques. It has been often remarked that “ every man has his price,” and the truth of the assertion is unfortunately too plainly apparent in this case, but it is very humiliating to think that the small sum of /'2lO each will buy the majority of our representatives. Can it be wondered at that commercial morality is at such low ebb when those in high places evince such disregard to their obligations, and the claims which the country has on their honor ? The fact that the Colony has —at a time of great need and depression, and when every exertion is being made to free her from the incubus of crushing poverty which is weighing her down, and when every true patriot who has her peoples welfare at heart should, so far as in him lies, strenuously assist in removing the same—been fleeced of a sum of of its much needed money, will surely act in such a manner upon the forthcoming elections as to prevent a recurrence of the same scandal by the same liberal minded political mongers — “ Wots pollytics ?” asks lumper Dan Of little Tommy Tripp ; Says he “ It’s coller all yer can An’ let yer country ripp 1”

The sudden retirement of Mr. M. J. Gannon from the forthcoming contest has taken many by surprise, and numerous expressions of dissatisfaction tend to show that it was far from the unanimous wish of his supporteis, and many are uncharitable enough to state that the action is attritutable more to interested motives and pressure than to inclination or principle. Whether such is the case or not, we can only regret that he should have been induced to take the step, as by so doing he has doubtless destroyed, to a great extent, his future chances. If the move is the result of ceitain machinations on the part of those illiberal men who are reputed to be resorting to very questionable tactics in order to attain their ends, we think it will be found to cut both ways, and in the end Mr Locke will doubtless prove the largest gainer. Notwithstanding Mr. Gannon’s retirement, we hear that two other well-known gentlemen are likely to come forward as candidates. Should this prove correct we may yet look forward to a warm contest Mr, Locke’s friends express themselves as much pleased at the turn affairs have taken, and have every confidence that the large majority of the last poll will be still further increased by this latest move of his op. ponents.