"AJAX" AND. MR. DEAN'S CANDIDATURE.

Tuapeka Times, Volume III, Issue 159, 23 February 1871, Page 6

"AJAX" AND. MR. DEAN'S CANDIDATURE.

(To the Editor) Sir, — I have do doubt you will have heard and retained in your memory, and so will the greater part of the community also, the incident which we all, more or less, have heard about concerning and relating to a terrific and dreadful engagement, which happened at a period hidden far in the shades of past ag^s, between a couple of the feline species in a certain county in the old Emerald Isle (or "land of E.rin")~ to wit, Kilkenney — and now, after this most terrific and frightful battle, in consequence of their ungovernable fury, and their unsatiable desire for summary vengeance, tho only remnant of those mortal combatants that could be fouud on that field were their corual appendages (or tails.) It is to be sincerely hoped that " Ajax " and " Fair Play " wilj. take warning from those pugilistic opponents, and terminate their controversy, for it can plainly bo perceived, and it looms in the distance, that it is likely to, terminate, and the final issue will be ? that the same misfortune will betal them that befel the aforesaid "grimalkins." Now that they have walked round and shown

their muscle, as it were, why not now the great crisis is over, shake hands like all true opponents, and enter once more into, the ring of friendship. I must confess and acknowledge that '' Fair Play " feels very much put out, and exceedingly vexed ; so should I myself, if {-I were placed in Die same predicament ; and also at the same time his dignity has been

touched to some extent — so, therefore, all that emanates from his pen is not to be gulped down wholesale without due consideration and allowance. I, for my part, do not thiuk there is much to choose between " Ajax " and " Fair Play " in that " independence of character "' so much lauded and talked about, and so misapplied, for it is movst atrociously misapplied. " Ajax " proclaims his " independence

of character " by endeavouring to

lower " Fair Play " in the eyes of his numerous circle of acquaintance ;

and " Fair Play," instead of treating

such calumniator as he ought to be treated, viz., with silent contempt, which would also have shown his " independence of character " in such

a matter, waxes hot, rages furiously, and retaliates upon "Ajax" by producing and exposing things and subjects past and gone years ago. A 'great many of us still think he would have made a very efficient teacher " of +he young id~a," and taught it to shoot up in the way it should go ; and I have no hesitation in saying that he. would have been holding that position now if one little clause in the Act had not to be surmounted before he could have obtained it frqm the present Board of Education. We conjecture, by the stylo of "Fair Play's " epistle, that some disgrace surrounds, and should foil on the devoted head of " Ajax " for trying to obtaiu a situation so compatible to his taste, and in trying tq procure an honest living, even under such circumstances. He evidently wei t on that old and tried principle — " Every man for himself, and the old gentleman take the hiindrnost." I would wish to observe that there is no disgrace applicable to any man fur getting an honest living in

these times of scarcity of employment, and we ought to be glad to secure any, although it may go against our choice and inclination — such was the case with " Ajax," we presume. His is none qf your blustering outspoken say-it-all-at-once sort of minds. He has tact — ah ' that little word, what a power of good (\oes it not perform, and what immeasurable trouble it would save many who do not possess it ; somef and even a great many, neglect it, much as it is to their detriment to do so. As I was saying, he " has tact. How does he make his friends ? By tact. How does he retain them ? Simply, by tact. If

"Fair Play" does not possess that . useful commodity, how can he think it "possible to retain and keep his friends ? I have not the slightest doubt that he is a man of full integrity and " honesty of purpose," and one whom I believe will not deviate one way or the other from his principles, and a person 3 r ou will not meet with every day who has such upright and good sentiments. But what does the watch benefit without the spring ? In like manner, what are those qualities without '■' tact" Even, as " Fair Play " would have it, " Ajax " would have been, and still is, an acquisition in this district, although a great number do not appreciate him (as I have heard, that on a certain day, at the close of a great election, not being satisfied with hanging him up hy the neck until he was dead, they must needs end their bloody %?ork by burning him in full yicw... of this mighty township. High in fche hpjiv«ns could be seen the refloction of that- frightful deed ; and bop/, at the. prp- eit moment, is it not being recorded ii the doomsday book forever to bo placed in the scales

against and to the everlasting disgrace

*of iSwiiztrts and its people.) But to feltim. If, an' ''Fair- Play "- writes, " ht> had given lectures and 'obtained luottf v for trie fund by a magic lantern/ so much tq his credit. The. snfietjr.HJ these .putlying districts, IjLvjEditor, is very small, co, of course.

a contribution in any way to enhance the dreariness of it is an acquisition in every sense of the word. ' It devolves upon and behoves everyone to do his best for the district he enjoys the privilege of residing in ; and it is, their dutyespeeially public men, if they have a talent for anything, not " to place it under a bushel, s.O that its rays cannot be diffused around," but to exercise it for the benefit of his fellow men. No doubt " Fair Play " is very much incensed against " Ajax " — sq he has just cause to be. Why " Ajax " should trouble himself about other people's concerns, it surpasses our comprehension and judgment. It were far better for him to do his duty in that state of life in which it pleased providence to call him. He is not of a very magnanimous turn of mind, or he would, like a just man, have given " Fair Play " his dues. Although it seems their controversy is all prejudice, and without reason, I know, and am sorry to state, that " Fair Play " has been very much, maligned in this place, which should not have been, but it is in consequence of his character not having been properly appreciated, as it ought; but as he only allowed himself to be seen by a chosen and select few, , how were we (the members) to know and appreciate his good qualities ? In conclusion, I hope and trust that "Ajax" and "Fair Play" will retain the four following lines iv their memories for their own and their neighbour's benefit : — 1 never did a slander forge, My neighbour's fame to wound, Nor harken to a false report, By malice whispered round. Begging lo apologise for tresspassing so far on your valuable space. — I am, &(.-.., Sis Justus. Switzers, Feb. 12th, 1871.