MB. MACANDREW AND MR. NICHOLSON.

Tuapeka Times, Volume III, Issue 157, 9 February 1871, Page 6

MB. MACANDREW AND MR. NICHOLSON.

(To the Editor)

Sir, — I have observed with regret that several parties in this district have made what is usually termed a " dead set" at Mr. Nicholson. I cannot say that I approve of that gentleman's support of Mr. Macandrew's candidature — indeed I deeply regret that he should be blind to the great danger of continuing a man in office who has violated every pledge he ever made. Still, sir, this is a free country, and surely every man is entitled to act in accordance with his convictions. Mr. Nicholson has merited better treatment at the hands of the residents of this district than he has received, but, unfortunately, past benefits seem to count for nothing against a present error of judgment. As to the charge that Mr. Nicholsoii turned his coat, it is palpably absurd, as I know hve months ago Mr. Nicholson avowed his intention of supporting Mr. Macandrew, unless Mr. Bradshaw could be induced to come forward. I regretted and combated his resolution ; but al though we are political antagonists, I trust we have not so far forgotten gentlemanly feeling and private friendship as to be blind to one anothers good qualities, and to admit tlut both are actuated by a sincere desire for the public welfare. I wish there were less personality #.nd more argument in the writings of the advocates of both parties. — I

p,in, &c, Courtesy. Mount Benger, Feb. 5, 1871.

(Toihe Editor.)

In your last issus I observe a letter signed "Vagrant," reiterating falsehoods I had thought already disposed of. When " Vagrant" comes forward and signs his usual — I do not say more appropriate — cognomen, I shall be found ready and willing to meet him, in any manner he may think fit. As it is, I do not deem it necessary to defend my character against every dfconymous scribbler whose effusions finds a place in your open column. In the meantime, I simply repeat my denial in toto of the charge brought against ni<\ and d<-' y " Vas»rant " or any or' his kidney to pv..\c that 1 ever canvassed in any w.iy for Mr. Donald lieid. T hod courtesy enough to allow a requisition 1o tha^ gentleman to lie on my table, but always warned any misguided individual who wished to sign, that by doing so he Avas aiding to introduce the l-eign of bigotry, ignorance, and retrogression. — Yours, &c,

C. NICHOLSON

(To the Editor.)

Sip, — How deplorably the want of a keen sense of truth is exhibited in many of the effusions which appeared of late in the columns of your journal, from unscrupulous correspondents in the Mount Benger district. Any one who is bold enough to express an intelligent ophiion on public affairs, or ever betrays the least si'^n of dissenting from their whimsical mode of discussing politics, is at once and for ever anathematised — or, in other words, excommunicated — from the virtuous coterie, with a denunciation of curses, and all the unpleasant epithets, entitled to a place in the rather unpleasant category of things wrong. A potorious example of this truth is to be fouud in '" Vagraut's " letter, in your last issue, in which he has accused Mr. Kicholson^of having obtained signatures to Mr. Reid's requisition. That is a niis>tatement — a true copy of "Vagrant's" usual "puff." If "Vagrant" is sceptical enough to imagine that Mr. !N"iHiolson did obtain signatures to Mr. Eeid's requisition, he is morally bound, by his own assertion, t0,. -afford Mr. Nicholson the opportunity of meeting those gentlemen whom he has mentioned face to face. I trust •" Vagrant " will be as good as his word ; but I conceive in my own mind he wont come up to the scratch.; his falsehood is not of that substantial ord^r that he can part with it in a hurry. "Vagrant" has yet to learn a little about the Hebrew parallel. His antecedents do more credit to the sharpness of his wits than to his truthfulness. His capacity foxplaying two opposite parts at. the same time is of the most complete order. — I am &c, Cain, Millers Plat, Feb. 6, 1871.