Page 4 Advertisements Column 1

Thames Star, Volume XII, Issue 4039, 8 December 1881, Page 4

■Elebtdral""""""""""""*' "" man to associate with others in making laws for the country P Rather let him be thankful be is raised from his former obscurity and poverty to actual independence, and be satisfied to continue to exercise his petty spite upon the poor contractor against whom he may suppose he has a grievance for once acting an independent part for the good of his country. Again, a sum of money was paid to tne County by the Government for making the Water Race Tunnel from the WaioKaraka to the Waiotahi Creek. Let me ask is that work done according to specifications? Many of you can shew how lamentably deficient that work is in quality of timber, size, and fixing, as well as in many other respects too numerous to set out here; and also how the City of York shaft (a work costing thousands of poundß, and .of great value to the gold* field) was destroyed to get timber of inferior quality, both in dimensions: and specified class, for this particular tunnel; also, second class materials from the old Shamrock battery, in which Mr Brodie had a personal interest. All this was done to that gentleman's full knowledge and approval, and apparently profit, as . the Shamrock battery materials taken by the contractors were his • own property. The Engineer certified, and the whole was done in correct order—in the office. Still, when the Una road contractors purchased timber (on the Engineer's advice) left after completion of the race tunnel, and approved by the Engineer, as according to specification for -that work, he is not allowed to use it for an ordinary culvert on his contract. This is consistent conduct on his part; still the Chairman is silent and refuses to raise a finger on the contractor's behalf, in fact, it would be infra dig to even enquire into the matter. Why should His Highness inspect the work or enquire into complaints when they had so efficient a servant at their command ? Surely such a course would degrade the man that he must either resign his appointment with all its little perquisites,. or die of a broken heart, leaving a widow and large family to lament his departure. This, the Chairman says, would he a national calamity.. Then as to the water race works. There were many unemployed at the time, and the contractors engaged to keep four shifts regularly going on the work; Complaints were made to the Chairman that this was not done; the contractors were spoken to about it; the Chairman (now a candidate for promotion to the House of Representatives) calmed the contractors' feelings by stating " You can carry on the work as you like, and let them (the public) prate away." So that he thereby assumes to himself the whole power of the Government and the County Council by cancelling one of the material conditions of the contract. What would he not assume if sent to the House ? Certainly His Excellency the Governor will have a lively time should Mr Alexander Brodie ever arrive at that sublime degree of M.L. A. Then take the County Council's published accounts, and you will sometimes see an entry of upwards of £800 under the heading of "sundries." Is the Chairman ashamed of setting out the full items comprising these "sundries?" Are the travelling allowances so heavy that he cannot take the ratepayers and the general public into his confidence fearing adverse comment ?. Is this a fair way of setting out the public accounts of a public body in which all the inhabitants are interested whether ratepayers or not ? And can we elect a man who will treat us in this suspicious manner to a more exalted position of trust F , : : ; ' Again, what did he state to the voters the other day on the occasion of bis late election for the Council? I am almost ashamed to relate his tyrannical assertion, namely, "that the Waiotahi electors had no right to bring another man to oppose him" thereby assuring those men they were not independent but must bow down to him, and accept him, and no other as their representative at the Council board whether they will: or no. In fact; he. wouid claim a life interest in the office! 2! Is this the man for pur choice ? I could give many other reasons exemplifying this gentleman's incapacity for the position to which he aspires, but this letter would extend to an unreasonable length I have no doubt many among you can more fully amplify what I have adduced. I will, therefore, pass on to the second candidate in order on my list, namely, Mr Cadman. This gentleman is little known in this neighborhood. What are his qualifications? I know nothing of a personal nature against him, bat has he any of those qualifications required in a legislator ? He may be a good practical man, as Chairman of a County Council, but I fail to see any ability displayed by him of the legislator in his utterances. Of course he has got up his address for the occasion in a studied manner, but take him altogether, what weight will be have in the House of Assembly? I can see none in prospect. Having no experience, he is more likely to be made a tool of for party purposes than become an efficient member having an opinion of his own, and the. ability to work that opinion in such a manner in .the House as to shew Be is determined to carry his argument to a successful issue. Now, compare both the candidates I have referred to with the other, Mr Mackay. In him you have a man of thoroughly trained energy and courage, with ability to bring his convictions to bear upon the members of the Assembly. All those of you residing here on the opening of this goldfield will bear me out in commending the skill, courage, and indefatigable energy displayed by him on that occasion. We are indebted to his energy and perseverance for being here at the present time. He -has an intimate knowledge of our requirements, and further, his knowledge of the whole colony is so extended that be is able to take broad views of political as well as local questions and is thereby better qualified to arrive at just conclusions than another with want of experience, and with cramped ideas. He can clutch at an idea quickly and can enforce; his opinions with energy and perseverance, until be brings it to a successful issue. His statements will be listened to with respect. He will make himself heard, and his energy is so great that nothing daunts him when he is convinced he is on the right course. He will command the respect and attention in the House which no other candidate for this electorate can or has the ability to command. He has the native difficulty at his fingers' ends and is more conversant with and^ able to contend with that difficulty than any other man in the colony. I venture to say that had he the management of the Parihaka affair he would have discovered the proper time and nianuerj and taken the proper fteps long ago to stamp out that difficulty