THE H.B. COUNTY CONTEST.

Daily Telegraph (Napier), Issue 3244, 23 November 1881, Page 4

THE H.B. COUNTY CONTEST.

[To the Editor of tho Daily Telegraph.] Sir, —In reply to "Large Runholder," allow me to say that he is evidently beginning to fear that he will not have his own way in the coming elections, and is most desirous to show that Mr Sutton will not represent the working class fairly. "Runholder's" arguments only go to show that he dreads any interests but those of his class being fairly considered, and he uses a great amount of hoodwinking to carry out his object. When the runholders launched into tbe present contest they commenced by getting a few old toadies to go round with requisitions in favor of Captain Russell, but these requisitions have died a natural death. They are now resorting to a correspondence, the prominent feature of which is a breach of the commandment, " Thou shalt not lie." I am an owner ot 22,000 sheep, and do not fear but tbat Mr Sutton will represent me. I think it is only fair that both parties should be represented. My hands are respectable thinking men, and see that it will be to their interest to vote for Mr Sutton, who has never endeavored to pull down wages. Captain Russell was heard cnqniring of a contractor how much he paid his men. The reply was nine shillings per day. Captain Russell said, " I will never rest until I get wages down to five shillings per day, and break up the pound a _ week system, as it is more than is paid in other provinces." This, in connection with hia desire to encourage Chinese immigration, shows how his feeliDgs are. I fail to see what voting either way will have to do with employer and employed, and am sure that my hands will serve me as well whichever way they vote, and our unffy of interest, which " Runholder" places so much stress upon, will remain the same as if no voting bad taken place. Why should Mr Sutton be content with those alone whom he employs voting for him, when it is evident Captain Russell's party do not wish to represent any one but the runholder. As to challenging Mr Sutton to name a single runholder who has used threats, I know of the

case of a blacksmith who did not vote the right way, and a liberal ronholder sent his work to Havelock, about six miles out of his way. Is that using undue pressure ? There is no claptrap in Mr Sutton saying that Captain Russell and his party wish to relieve themselves of the burden of taxation and put it on the shoulders of tbe middle class. ' Runholder's ' own remarks prove they do < when he says that runbolders pay Custom duties on all that station hands consume. Do they not pay accordingly? How very few station hands there are when compared with the populations of the towns, who also pay custom duties. The reason why tbe yeoman and working classes will support Mr Sutton is because they know bim to be the best and ablest man to represent them in Parliament. They know tbat he will do more work, is stronger and better able to perform his duties, and will work cordially with every member who will promote the interests of his constituency, and never desert his post. His past career proves him to be an able, painstaking, and farseeing politician. Ever since be entered public life he has had to battle against influence and wealth, and he has worked hia way successfully.—l am, &c, Sheisqwneh. November 23, 1881.