NOTES AND COMMENTS.

Putaruru Press, Volume VI, Issue 258, 18 October 1928, Page 4

NOTES AND COMMENTS.

A PUBLIC MAN’S PRINCIPLES. When a public man finishes his earthly labours, it is customary and ■fitting to record his activities and guiding principles. Usually, except m the case of a national figure, we are not interested in the story of a non-local man who has passed his allotted span, but now and again one here and there merits wider notice. Such an one was the late Mr. John Cunningham, of Leeston district (Canterbury), who was chairman of the Ellesmere County County and the Springs-Ellesmere Power Board, and was also prominent in regard to main highways. Mr. Cunningham was undoubtedly a man of culture and outstanding ability, 1 at what appeals to us most are the fine traits of character he displayed throughout his public career and pn . ate life. A few examples may picture the character of the man.

Like many lucs.l bouy members, the unceasing encroachment of State departments into the sphere of local body affairs was repugnant to his democratic independence. He detested bureaucracy with a healthy revulsion of feeling. Nevertheless, when colleagues would advise kicking over the traces, he would sagely counsel them not to be rash. “ Always keep on side ” was his frequent admonition. And keep on side he did, and in the end he generally persuaded the offending department to keep on side, too.

He was also a stickler for fair play. “ The game’s the thing,” and “ Fiat justicia, ruat coelum ” (let justice be done though the heavens should fall) were the exhortations he would make most effectively. With such guiding principles it was no wonder that he was esteemed so highly in his own district that for many years he held the most important offices without challenge, or even the prospect of rivalry. By his death Ellesmere has lost a valued public man whose shoes will be extraordinarily difficult to fill, and whose life will long serve as a beacon to guide those who follow.