THE LAST STRAW.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume 5, Issue 1528, 6 November 1883, Page 2

THE LAST STRAW.

(To the Editor,) Sir,—lt is some time now since we were first informed by Mr R S. Hawkins, as to his intention to endeavor to establish a North Wairarapa County Settlers' Association, and that in doiuef so it was his intention to cultivate and secure the interests of the Working classes of the district, without the least reservation or prejudice in the working of the then proposed Association. This Association has been established, the delegates havo been selected (not elected) as is done in most other public matters, and in looking over the list of the names of those persons selected, I think thero.can be no difficulty in seeing that deception has begun in the-very first of its working. Where may the names be seen of tho working men selected as delegates 1 So far as I am aware there are none, and from what appears to me to be the case, I am of opinion that the County electoral roll has been used and the wealthy and' ambitious have been selected without the least concern for working classes,' As a matter of fact, the exclusion of this class is pretty well understood among, tho wealthy, and is propogated by them to the utmost of their power. But sir, I have been endeavoring to look into tho question of the working mens protection that is to be derived : by the working of this newly, formed Association, and lam free to state that 1 believo it is a trap, and intended only in,time to fasten more firmly the shackles of oppression and tyranny on that class of the people the Association pretends to protect as set forth in its prospectus, I believe sir, too, that there remains much as yet beneath the surface of the deep laid schoming of aristocratic humanity in tho matter in question that the minds of the uneducated and, to a certain degree, unsuspecting and honest working men cannot analyse or properly understand, I for one cannot. I therefore intend to withdraw ray name from the Association, as I cannot consent to be a member of any Association that would strip the working man of the few privileges he now enjoys, and leave him in'the position of poor Old Billy, in the mud, or if possible worse, I am, &c. T. W. SnuiE,