Correspondence.

Waikato Times, Volume XII, Issue 944, 11 July 1878, Page 2

Correspondence.

[Our correspordence columns are impartially open to all matters of public interest, but we do aot, m any Wf>y identify ourselves with opinions expressed therein.]

Sir, — My, thanks are due to Councillor Whyte for granting me further opportunity (quite unexpected, and unsought) of shewing the rotten ground on which councillors have taken their stand. The learned Councillor states the divi.-ion of Tamahere is required, as the interests of one end of the riding are all towards Cambridge, &c, &c. ' How the action of Council mends this I do not nee It places the ratepayers m this position, the county ignore us, rob us of our representation ; we "will make our rates according to our internal requirements and let the county do the rest. The county would suffer from receiving no assistance to these said roads from rates collected, and a less subsidy to the county than otherwise would accrue. In reference to the few ratepayers, it is well known that a largo portion of Tamahere is held by natives, Ohurch endowments, &c, &c. These things- are righting themselves, already the Ohurch lands are disposed of, and will at once be occupied by energetic settlers ; natives m time will sell, which will remove the dangers Councillor "Whyte is so much exercised about (viz , the pocket riding) , without his able assisted rendered, doubtless, from disinterested motives. Iji reference to Councillor Leslie's returning two Cambridge men, I must refer him to Times, 29 th ult. 1 [ would, sir, point out the very different course taken by Cambridge and Kirildriroa under other ciroumstandes. First election, Kirikiriroa, contributed more than all the rest towards county fund, without fair representation. What followed V Howling through the Press, telegraphing to "Wellington, intervowing Members, &c, &c. Tables turn : Cambridge now contributes equal if not more than all the rest of the county to the County Fund. The Council has power to give fair representation. Cambridge stand up boldly, and makes a demand, not for exacting justics, but due weight m the Council. If it is not obtainable, Cambridge does not howl or write of her injustice, but, self-reliant m her own resouiC2s, goes to work m right earnest, to work out her own salvation, and what consolation is there for the grasping policy ? Simply, by over-reaching, they have driven aAvay the fairest portion of the comity. Councillor "Whyte gives his version of my lot of figures, ho terms them, and how obtained. I think a more charitable way'of putting his statements about the Cambridge Town and County Districts would have been to state that the largely -increased traffic and rapidlyincreasing importance of the township and county warranted them m considerably increasing .'their rates. Councillor Whyte, also, states: "If these things last." I would call his attention to the position of Cambridge, surrounded on every side Avith first-class land, rapidly being brought under cultivation, the head of navigation, ■and the probable terminal of a railway, j with a large and fine country beyond, which for years must draw its supplies from Cambridge. If this is not sufficient reply to his simple statement— if these things last — I can give him plenty other tangible reasons why they should. There is one striking feature m Councillor Whyto's actions and writings on this subject. He cannot state facts and stick to them, but resorts to assumption. He, writes, " If Councillor Clark's resolution was carried, let us see about the balance of power: Cambridgo, 3 — Tamahere, 1, vrho is sure to be a Cambridge man." Councillor "Whyte knows the man who was spoken of as a likoly representative for Tamahere, viz., the manager of tho Swamp Company. If he doubts my honesty m only wanting fair play, I will give a conversation between myself and Mr Eeynolds, when asked if he would stand if requested. His reply was, " I would rather not, as Cambridgo would expect my support, whilst all my interests are with Kirikiriroa." My reply avus " Cambridge seeks no favor from the Council — simply justice." I will say nothing of Raugiriri, but will give my opinion of the position the Council would occupy: — Kirikiriroa (3), Rangiriri (1), Avifch part of Tamahero support — 4;' 7 ; Cambridge (3), with part of Tamahere support — 3J-; the Chairman the most able man m the Council, Avhoever he may represent m the matter. Councillor Whyte states, "We want no balance of power, and I have proven it." I tWuk,

sir, this would read more correctly, " I have 'written it.'" The most truthful part of Councillor Whyte's letter is the last sentence. I, aloo, think most emphatically that the pocket-borough of Tamahore should be wiped out, and, may I add, anything or anybody else who comes m the way of Councillor Whyto attaining his object. The whole matter maybe summed up m one sentence, "How false but yet how fair." Apologising for trespassing- so largely on your space, — I am, &c, George E. Clark. The Grove, July 8, 1878. ♦ Sir,— The highly spiced correspondence which has appeared m your columns between members of the Waikato County Council has, doubtless, added much to tho zest with which one persues his "Buster," buthe feelings of interest and ammusement at the cutting p&a^^hties and abuse contained m. said letters soon give place to pity and contemp. Delehda est Tamahere, riding is gone, may the Road Board soon follow, for if a Board will not work neither should it exist. Yot one might be pardoned for dropping a silent tear over 'poor Tamahere. |During its'Jbrief existence it boasted of two member", one has proved ajj traitor, the other openly avows that he hasfjnever studied the working of the county system, taking his ideas on the subject from his friend Mr Clark, who views the world through a pair of Cambridge-blue spectacles. Mr Clark's letters . would be creditable productions from the pen of the average school boy of the period, but coming from the bearded councillor who studies the county system both for himself and friends they are weak, pitifully weak. His logic and reasoning capabilities are beautif tdly illustrated m the "reasons" (?) he has to give for the distribution of the grant of 1877 on the basis of the returns of 1878-9. Mr Leslie has been very rough on poor Mr Cumming, no doubt he was ., too personal altogether, but our worthy bone-crusher shoidd have taken ■ his punishment like a man. Wo know ho can give and take hard knocksof a physical nature m the most imperturbable manner, " the pen however is mighter than the sword, or even the fist, and Mr Cumming's letter m to-day's paper proves him to bo writhing under the lash. He begins by talking of Mr Leslie's incoherent production m a sentence of twelve and a half lines, which, for incoherence, rivals anything that ever appeared m print. All one can gather from his clumsy attempts at irony is the fact that cattle-lifting was an amiable weakness of his distinguished ancestors.. He, also, says that "the public will have no difficulty m saddling the onus of this state of things to where it belongs." The composition of this is eccentric, but, unlike many of his dark sayings, it is fraught with wisdom, for, to continue his metaphor, he will certainly occupy the position of leader m any team so saddled. Behold your councillors, oh, Waikato '.—self -revealed by their own hand- writing they stand before you. One can produce " facts anl figures " to prove that Cambridge is the hub of the universe, and that the sun, moon, and stars revolve around it— or ought to, if they don't He is, moreover, prepared to tilt a I'outrance with anyone who will not subscribe to his startling theory. Another is a convert to this novel arrangement of the solar system, and waxes virulent, personal, and abusive when what he considered his kingdom was wrenched from him for the public good. A third betrays his constituency, and, by implication, calls his fellow-councillor the antithesis of a gentleman, and, m getting a Rowland for his Oliver, lashes out wildly but obscurely m an incoherent tirade that " no fellah can understand." A- fourth, m pleasing contrast to his confreres, can explain himself without losing his temper, and let us hope that the others who have refrained from rushing into print are men similarly gifted* I trust, Mr Editor, that we have seen the last of this most objectionable epistolatory warfare between men occupying a position of influence and responsibility, and who jpaight be expected to have sufncie^^7f^Ji;o^V /aire to wash their dirty linen m private.— I am, &c, Obseuver. Hamilton, July <J, 1878.

IK/it'H yo« iohh to Famish your House, obMim a BodU C»talt> t ;ue from the City H*H Arcade,, whicih contains valuable information, hob ouly enumerating what can be obtained there but showing the cob* of Fiirniahing a Three, Four, Five, and Six-roooiod House ; aJeo, Drawingroom aeparatoly, and Bachelora' Rooms. Just received, some magnificent all- wool Kidderminster Carpets, for Dining and Bsdrooma ; very cheap Tapestry, Brussels aud L<"elt Carpuls : the largest stock m Auckland." All kinds of Houbo Furniture, and an immense assortment of Bedsteads m fron, Brass, Kauri, Cedar Riiiiu, Mottled Kauri ; with Wardrobes Drawers, VVashstands, • and Tables to match. Dining a.d Drawingroorr Suites to suit all classes. Several new designs m Linoleum ; Oilcloths, all widths, for Rooms, Halls, Stairs, &c. Any kind of Furuiture made to order. Hotels and, Public Baildiugs Furnished throughoat. Catalogues sens Post Free. Ladies and Gentleinon about to Furnish are mvi ted to stroll through the « Arcade,' where, m. addition, to Houae-Furnishin!? Goods, will basoen Drapary,- Clothing, Millinery, nnd Fanuy Gaoda. — Holluway, G-AK-lick, and Ckanwell, Proprietors, Oicy Hall Arcade, Queen-streeii Auckland.