THE WAIHAO ELECTION.

Waimate Daily Advertiser, Volume IV, Issue 289, 29 November 1902, Page 3

THE WAIHAO ELECTION.

TO THK EDITOR. Sir, —Owing to a number of ratepayers of the riding having me to stand again for the county, I have given the matter full consideration and have agreed to do so, and will now add a few words to the short announcement made on the 22nd inst. of my determination to resign my seaton the County Council. I desire, in justice to myself and those who sup* ported my candidature, to explain briefly the circumstances under which I considered it my duty to do so. Tne result of the poll disclosed a very keen interest on the part of the ratepayers of the riding in county matters, wnich I cannot consider otherwise than gratifying, and but for other contingent circumstances I would have felt pleased at regaining my seat, even by so small a majority as one vole. It appeared to me, however, that a considerable feeling of dissatisfaction existed after the Election, and I did not wish to retain my seat if 1 had not the confidence of the ratepayers. Mr Ross, with whom it lay to question my election, showed the greatest reluctance to dispute it and accepted the result of the poll with the best of good feeling. _ A scrutiny of the ballot, at his instigation, might possibly have turned the tables on me, and rather than hold the seat under such conditionc 1 expressed to him my desire to again contest it under circumstances that would leave no room for cavilling. He would not accept this offer, but said he would have resigned in my favour had I been beaten, but having given the matter full consideration, and hearing the expressions of opinion from different sections of the ratepayers, I did not think there fcas any other honourable course open to me. Prior to the Election 1 announced certain views as to payment of members, and I have no desire now to retract from these, feeling satisfied that this county has no justification for expecting its members to devote time and energy to the public service at a loss (a very considerable one) to themselves, while numerous County Councils pay their representatives. There are speoial provisions made in the Counties Act for this purpose, and I intended breaking through the precedent of not accepting payment for ‘services rendered, in the case of the chairman, up to £IOO. I ain quit* aware that the southern portion of the Riding has the voting power in its own hands and can, if it desires, so organise its strength as to practically disfranchise the upper section. I feel confident, however, that my attitude in relation to matters affecting the interests of the Upper and Lower sections as one riding, should satisfy tha ratepayers that my desire has always been to mete out even justice all round, not solely in dealing with my own riding, bub also in matters relating -to the general administration of the County. It is to my character as member for the whole riding, that I must leave the ratepayers to judge of my qualifications to sit as one of their representatives and ! am satisfied to accept their verdict in, this respect at the ensuing poll.—l am, etc., . J. FJ.BJ4USO Dotjqub.