The Waipawa Mail. Published Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. Saturday, May 19, 1900. TO OUR READERS.

Waipawa Mail, Volume XXII, Issue 4054, 19 May 1900, Page 2

The Waipawa Mail. Published Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. Saturday, May 19, 1900. TO OUR READERS.

With this issue the editor introduces himself in a new capacity, He has become the proprietor of the Waipawa Mail. For reasons which do not call for discussion here the late proprietors came to the conclusion that they had been connected for a sufficiently long period with journalistic enterprise in this district. They decided to go into liquidation, the Waipawa Mail to be sold as a going concern. This was done, and the editor became the purchaser. This much having been said by way of preface, we propose to take our readers into our confidence and at the same time ask their support and cooperation. The history of the Waipawa Mail is ultimately bound up with that of the district for many years, and we desire the bond not only to continue to exist, but to become stronger. We have faith in the district, and vye knqw from pleasant experience that the district has kindly feelings towards us. That it has recognised our short-comings we can readily believe, but that it has made excuses for them and condoned them is proved by the warm relations between us. On the other hand, although we ipay have committed

errors which even the wisest are not exempt from, we can honestly say that they have been involuntary, and that our aim has been the enlightenment and pleasure of our readers and the general welfare of the district. And just as we admit the many obligations under which we lie with regard to those whom it has been our persistent endeavour to serve, so we feel justified in urging that our efforts on their behalf have not been entirely without value.

Upon that basis we appeal for continued support. We feel confident that the Waipawa Mail, as a journal devoted to the welfare of the'district, advocating its interests, voicing its aspirations, and seeking to shape its future, is a necessity to the settlers for whom we cater in our news columns and on whose behalf our pen is wielded when commenting upon local or general topics. We shall steer clear of sects or parties. The independent journalist may not always succeed in pleasing everybody, but he can at least command the respect of all. To achieve that will be our constant aim. Whila refraining from partisan support or condemnation of any section of the community, whether regarded politically or from any social standpoint, we shall freely exercise our privilege of commenting upon questions affecting the public welfare. By recognising the good and exposing the evil, no matter whence they originate, we sha'l at the same time serve our readers, advance the interests of the district, and possibly add our mite to the progress of the colony. Local affairs will receive our keenest attention. As hitherto; we shall give prominence to reports of the various governing and administrative bodies having jurisdiction in the County. In that .respect the Waipawa Mail will continue to be what it has always been proud of being—“ The County Paper.” We admit that in binding upon ourselves without outside financial aid the journalistic burdens of such a widely extended district, we are undertaking no light task, but with the sympathy and help of our readers to support us we have no misgivings as to the result.

We propose to give prominence to all questions affecting the settlers in their capacity of ratepayers. To this end, as heretofore, our columns will be open to those who desire our aid in making public suggestions or objections with regard to all county matters. Special attention will continue to be paid to reporting the meetings of the County Councils, thus affording residents in the district an opportunity of making themselves'acquainted with the actions of their representatives not otherwise obtainable. With regard to the tone of the paper as a family journal we are content to let the past speak for us. The rule by which we have hitherto kept our columns from being sullied by attacks upon public morality, whether directly or by innuendo, will be as strictly enforced as has always been the case, and personalities will be as rigorously excluded. To sum up, our constant aim will be to publish a wellinformed, wholesome, and brightly written paper, devoted to the interests of the settlers in all parts of the county, and discussing topics of general interest from a thoroughly impartial and independent standpoint. To carry out this intention we need a continuance of the hearty support hitherto accorded us. We enter upon our task confident that we shall be granted that support. MAFEKING. Foil some weeks past the eyes of the world have been turned towards Mafeking. Kimberley and Ladysmith have been relieved, and why not Mafeking ? The oables have told us of the privations endured by Baden-Powell and his gallant band of defenders, and though it was .a matter of little moment so far as the result of the war is concerned, whether Mafeking capitulated or not, throughout the British dominions the prayer went up for the garrison to hold out until relief came. Baden-Powell has played his part worthily. His name has been inscribed upon a bright page of British history, and in the

words of Shakespeare, “from now until the ending of the world,” his name will be remembered.