The Wairarapa Daily. MONDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 1883. THE COUNTY ELECTIONS.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume 5, Issue 1307, 19 February 1883, Page 2

The Wairarapa Daily. MONDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 1883. THE COUNTY ELECTIONS.

The county nominations are over, and taking the Masterton Riding of County East first into consideration it is evident that it is contemplated to manipulate the Mauriceville Block vote to exclude the former representatives, and to return two Mauriceville candidates, Messrs Alexander Stewart and Gu.\der Gunderson, It may perhaps be questioned whether Mr Stewart is a nominee of the Mauriceville party, but we have little doubt on the subject ourselves. The wire puller of the settlement, who resides in Masterton, openly boasts of his power to return Mr Stewart, and it is well known that this candidate lives in the immediate neighborhood of the settlement and is deservedly popular in that quarter. If Mauriceville had claimed one out of the two available seats,in the Riding we would have admitted that it was entitled to such a consideration, but whan it puts forth its hand to take both we are compelled to remonstrate, We do not desire to see the " red, white and blue flag" quite shut up in the county, and the Scandinavian bunting alone floating in the breeze. We have always been friendly towards the industrious settlers of Mauriceville,, and anxious to promote their interests, but if they go in for swamping the British settlers, or if they are led by electoral experts into taking that position, it will be impossible to maintain in the future those harmonious relations between the two nationalities which have obtained in the past, ft f course we do not know that the Mauriceville settlers are taking this position. They have however, a sort of elderly prophet and god-father in Masterton, who speaks as a rule tor them, and if they have not committed themselves, he has certainly compromised them. We can understand the settlers of Mauriceville objecting to re-elect Mr McGregor because it is within our knowledge that his acts and deeds as their representative have been somewhat colored by '. hostile criticism, but why they should fall out with Mr Chamberlaik also is a puzzle. The latter has done all in his power to promote their interests on every occasion, and if we had a fault to find with him it would be that he has occasionally sacrificed his duty to tho county to' his solicitude for Mauriceville. We are, in face of the Mauricevilleßlock vote, doubtful as to either Mr McGregor's . or Mr Chamberlain's return. One thing is certain and that is that Mr McGregor's re-election, if not essential to Maurice^

ville, is necessary for the welfare of ho County as a whole. His past experience in County matters will be, simply invaluable in iho now Oouhoil, and leaving him put in tho cold means throwing - overboard the best allround county politician and administrator that we have in this end of the district. Of, course the Mauriceyille. Block vote and that most unfortunate Wangaehu deputation may smother him, but it will be a bad day for this district if its best public men are turned out by Mr Dreyer, the king of the Scandinavian ring. Mr Stewart is a good man, and We know nothing but what is good of Mr Gundehson, but it is all nonsense to expect either of them to replace Mr McGregor in the Council, and preside over its Works Committee, It will be simply suicidal for the riding to reject Mr McGregor, to say nothing of the ingratitude of not supporting a public servant who has worked hard and faithfully in the past. Turning to Alfredton Biding wo aro sorry to see that the spirit of unfairness is also apparent there. A fortnight ago we said the Pahiatua Bettlers had a claim for one representative in the riding, and the Alfredton settlers for the other. The former have brought forward two candidates who evidently mean leaving Alfredton out in the cold altogether. It is the wish of the Alfredton settlers that Mr G, Beetham should represent them, ami it would only have been fair and just if the Pahiatua settlers had respected this desire. 1 hey may possibly be strong enough to oust the representative who should in all common fairness sit for tlio Alfredton' division, but such an act of aggression on their part would be resented, and the triumph of the moment would bo dearly paid for by the mistrust and ill-feeling whicli would follow it. It is only fair perhaps to point out that in this riding Mr G. Beetham, if defeated, will owe his reverse to the unfortunate Wangaehu deputation. It is true he was opposed to it, but, as Mr Hawkins has stated, his brother was in favor of it, and this is. enough to deprive the county of Mr G. Beetham's services, In tho Castlepoint Riding there has been no contest, Mr Mackay, one of the candidates who has been returned unopposed, is the right man in the right place, not only as the chairman of the Castlepoint I!oud Board, but also as being one of the most active public men in the Whareama district, Mr J. Williams makes another admirable representative being both a wise and an experienced public man. Of Mr Belliss the third representative we know little, but if he is at all equal to his colleagues he will strengthen tho new Council. There was a rumor that Mr Hawkins would have come forward for this Riding, and we regret that it has proved unfounded as this gentleman is capable of infusing a considerable amount of vitality into any public business with which he connects himself, The last Riding in the northern County is that of Wainuioru, and here there is to be a contest. Probably Messrs W. H. Beetham and E. Meredith, jun., as the older and better known settlers will lie the successful candidates. Their opponent, Mr J, C, Terqusson, is an able man who has a grievance, but whether his ability or his grievance will carry him through i 9 somewhat doubtful. la ' County West alias County South, Mr J. Donald one of the most respected members of the old Council has retired, and Mr H, Bunny takes his place, We are glad to see Mr Bunny taking a part in locid politics, and his presence in the new. Council will be a guarantee of the periodic meetings being interesting and lively. lor the Greytown Riding there are no less than three candidates, Messrs H, Dudding, E. Schwartz Mauxsell, and Coleman Phillips, We regard both Mr Dudding and Mr Maunsell as eligible candidates. MiPhillips is also in some respects an eligible caudidate but what have the electors of Otaraia done that he should desert them, and tender his services to a neighboring Riding. We intended to have referred in this articlo to the Carterton, Gladstone, and Otaraia Ridings, but the space at our disposal is exhausted, and we must reserve to another issue tho comments we have to make on the candidates for these sections of the West County.