S. C. E.

Waikato Times, Volume X, Issue 741, 17 March 1877, Page 3

S. C. E.

S IB> — In your issue of 1 3th f . inst.

appeared a letter signed " S. C. E., n rejecting -rather severely on the Ngaruawahia people for having the presumption . to , give expression to their views on any subject in which they afe : interested. It is quite evident "from the tone this Mr " S.E.C." assumes that he considers himself of no little importance in the district, and that his influence will be of material benefit to the candidate of his choice. I venture to say it will have quite a contrary effect, and Major "Wilson may well exclaim, " Oh, save me from my friends." Were it not that "S.C.E" has made misstatements (wilful or otherwise) maligning the people of this place, I do not consider his j letter would be considered worth noticing, The meeting referred to by "S.C.E." was convened by Major I Wilson as councillor of the riding, in obedience, I believe, to a resolution of the Council, in order to give the ratepayers an opportunity of expressing their views on such an important matter as the adoption of the Counties Act, in which, of [ course, they were deeply interested. Some twelve ratepayers attended that meeting. The seven ratepayers who voted for rejecting the Act were composed as follows : Four from the country districts representing "Whata, Waipa, and Pukete, the remaining three were Ngaruawahia residents. This, I think, was a fair representation of the riding, though so few in number, which, I beliete, was owing to the unsuitable hour at which the meeting was held. Had " S.C.E.J' been at the meeting held last night in Ngaruawahia, I don't think he would have the temerity

to assert that it was got up by the townspeople. He would have seen the largest, most influential and unanimous gathering of the ratepayer, from all parts of the district, that has taken place here for years showing what a praiseworthy interest they take in Council affairs. The ratepayers of this riding both esteem and jrespect their late repre-

sentative, and are not unmindful o the years he has devoted to theii affairs in the road board, but n< personal consideration will swaj them'in deciding on a matter of sue! vital importance to their interests al the Connties Act.—l am, &c, A Ratepayer. Ngaruawahia, 16th March, 1877. ■ i «. . [ j I