WAIKATO POLITICAL REFORM ASSOCIATION.

Waikato Times, Volume XXIX, Issue 2350, 2 August 1887, Page 2

WAIKATO POLITICAL REFORM ASSOCIATION.

TO THE EDITOR. Sir,—ln your leader of the 2Gth ult. you allude to the apathy displayed by the above-named association, and your remarks are well worthy of note. I would like to .state, for the information of the electors generally, that out of no less than 73 circulars sent by me to local bodies and leading persons in various parts of the districts, I have received only four written answers and two verbal ones, and 34 persons only have become members of the association and paid the shilling subscription. As far as I know only one local body (the Pukekura Road Board) has as yet called a meeting of electors in their centres as requested, to consider the platform laid down by the association, and yet wo are within a few weeks of the election. It seems to me to mean this: That the general body of electors do not really care to combine to force candidates to thoroughly pledge themselves to some definite scheme of retrenchment. Rather do they seem inclined to be satisfied with the assurance from each and everyone of those seeking their suffrages, that they are in favour of retrenchment, knowing full well that in the present state ot public feeling they would have no show whatsoever of being elected if they did not do so. But I would remind voters that this sort of general pledge means absolutely nothing, and unless we band ourselves together and insist on certain Hues ot action on the part ot our representatives we shall be in as big a hole as ever. If we go on as we are doing, better call a final meeting of the Waikato Political Reform Association, wind up its affairs, and let each and all of us act on our own responsibility—vote as wo think fit, and so return to the “status quo ante.” I hope I have not offended any local bodies in writing this letter, as many of them may be pushing the matter ahead, but if they are doing so they might let the committee know that such is the case, and so enable them to prepare for a general meeting ot those who wish to take part in the agitation.—l am, Sir, yours truly, T. G. Sandes, Secretary Waikato Political Reform Association. Hamilton, Ist August, 1887,