AN ENQUIRY.

Westport Times, Volume VII, Issue 1127, 25 November 1873, Page 2

AN ENQUIRY.

{To the Editor of the Westport Times.)

Sib, —As notwithstanding any counsel given to the contrary, the O'Conor faction are displaying zeal which either proves that they are earnest in their belief of Mr O'Conor's fitness for office or that they are influenced by hidden intentions, and as such zeal, if honest or otherwise, may influence the minds of the uncertain, I ask on behalf of myself and brother electors who, desiring to take no side in controversy would vote for the best man of the two candidates (bad though the choice may be), for some little information. Mr O'Conor and his friends declare him as a candidate, not for any personal gain or advantage, but purely in the interests of the people. 11 such be his sincere intent what foundation is there for rumors passing too and fro to this effect. First—That Mr O'Conor as a professed member of the Roman Catholic Church had given offence to the church by adhesion to the tenets and customs of Freemasonry, Secondly, That to regain favor with the church he, on the visit of Bishop Moran to Westport, made solemn asservation to renounce Masonry. Thirdly. That to gain votes he very recently worked his way in to the Reefton Masonic Lodge, and afterwards asked the Masonic brethren to support him on the square for election as Superintendent ?

If there is no truth in such rumors let Mr O'Conor and his friends prove the falsity. If there is let them explain how such insincerity towards two venerated institutions can be accepted as proof of his sincerity in the interests of the people.—l am. &c, Querist.