WAIPAWA.

Daily Telegraph (Napier), Issue 3238, 16 November 1881, Page 4

WAIPAWA.

(FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.) November 14, 1881. In default of some original and valuable idea, I have been looking through your recent issues to cull a cue from some of your " own correspondents " on some important topic outside politics, but I suppose they are so much engaged, under the temporary circumstances, in searching out how they can make an honest penny without infringing the provisions of the Corrupt Practices Prevention Act, 1881. that they have altogether forgotten their duty to your supremacy. It would be a novelty to occupy one of your columns, after the style of some of your most successful advertising clients. For instance, top of column, " From our own correspondent," two inches space, " iVaipawa," centre of column, " Important startling news," bottom of column, " Waiting arrival, particulars crowded out." Pardon the absurdity. I have not yet recovered from the effects of Mr Johnston's speech; it has made me so awfully slow ever since. As an antidote I am waiting for the grand conflagration on Wednesday night next which is to show up, or blow up, Mr Ormond in a very entertaining manner. One case of drunkenness was brought before the Court of Justice last week. Thomas Green had been in the Waipukurau Hospital for thirteen months. On his discbarge he found his way to Waipawa, when it was necessary to place him in the Waipawa Hospital adjoining the police station on a charge of being " drunk and incapable." However he was capable of destroying a galvanised iron bucket, the property of the Government. On a promise that he would go somewhere else he was discharged by the presiding Justice with a caution. In the good old times he would have been relieved of tbe means of getting drunk for a time, by being fined 10s and costs. Local government knows better, and is more symphathetic. Mr Alexander Robb has retired from the contest for the Waipawa Riding. He states in favor of Mr Bibby, who will in all probability stand at the head of the poll, and take bis seat as one of our County Councillors. A correspondent ia the Waipawa Mail objects to Mrßechab Harding contesting the election for the Waipukurau Riding. I have nothing to 6ay about the letter beyond the fact above stated. By investing 3d in the purchase of the paper, the document can be read in extmso. As Mr Smitb is sure of being returned as our member, much of his time will be spent in Wellington, and the Council would take advantage of his absence, and each councillor would propose matters for the benefit of the Riding which be represents, instead of allowing Mr Smith to do it for him, and this would be taking the wind out of Mr Smith's sails, and Waipukurau would be nowhere. It must be admitted that the Waipawa Council has never

been a " happy family." The story of " Little Red Riding Hood" illustrates ■ the action of the Council in rejecting Mr Smith's (the wolf) proposal to allow him to put the " Riding" rates into the County fund. He would gobble them up. Mr R. Harding would be like the " Granny." He would fold the Council up in a County embrace. Mr R. Harding is a tried and trusted man, and always -works well to the best of bis ability. It would be a pity to wear out Mr Smith's adaptability in the days of his youth. He holds a number of offices, and could easily • v afford to spare one for Mr Harding. «hall I say Mr Smith has literally retired in favor of Mr R. Harding ?