NEWCASTLE RIDING ELECTION.

Waikato Times, Volume XII, Issue 996, 9 November 1878, Page 2

NEWCASTLE RIDING ELECTION.

Sib, — In your issue of the oth instant, appear two letters descanting rather freely with Mr Hunt's name as a candidate for Newcastle Biding m the Waipa County Council. As one of those "who signed the requisition, I feel that I am called on to vindicate my action m doing so. " Newcastle Elector stigmatises the requisition to Mr Hunt as a document got up by a few engineers and others on the steamers. He no doubt inadvertently omitted to mention the few settlers just numbered twenty-nine, and twice that number of votes, and that the engineers and others just counted six. Are not " engineers and others " good citizens and punctual ratepayers — some of them paying rates to a greater amount than " Newcastle IJlector," probably. Why should they not exercise their undoubted right to unite with their fellow-ratepayerg m calling on the man of their choice to oome forward and represent them. " Newcastle Elector '* must be a wan of very groa.t weight and

importance — m his own estimation — when the thirty-five names appearing on Mr Hunt's requisition are as nothing m liis reckoning. Now, as to the argument that every mile of good road takes away traffic from a river-carrying company, it won't hold water. Good roads promote settlement, and increased settlement produces increased traffic for the steamers. So far as good roads are concerned, Mr Hunt, as manager of the W.S.N. Company, has as much, if not more, interest than any other settler m promoting their construction. The assertion that the W.SN. Co. have brought Mr U unt forward is false, and a gross attempt to cast a slur on the signers of the requisition, who are men, I will vouch, every whit as independent as " Newcastle Elector." The requisition emanated from genuine electors — men who had every right to express their opinions — and was first suggested by country settlers. — Now, as to the letter of "X.Y.Z." No doubt, any requisition wanting his name could not be considered influential, and h. ippy would be the candidate, and assured of success, on whom he would bestow a gracious smile. Oh, how mean to cast stones at a man because he is earning his bread, and filling with credit to himself and profit to his employers the position m which he is placed. However, Mr Hunt is smart enough for those that would circumvent him, and the few who so freely criticise him would be found incompetent to take his place. When the day of election arrives, your rabid correspondents will find that the independent electors of Newcastle Riding will show that they have sufficient discernment to recognise worth and ability by placing Mr Hunt at the head of the poll. In conclusion, I would say that, whenever I cast a slur on a man or lay a charge at his door, I put it plain. — I am, &c, E. Fitzpatbiok. Ngaruawahia, November 6, 1878.