THE COMING CONTEST.

Gisborne Standard and Cook County Gazette, Volume I, Issue 45, 24 September 1887, Page 3

THE COMING CONTEST.

[TO THE EDXIOB.’ BlB,—Monday8 IB,—Monday next ■will decide the issue of the great political contest, and will perhaps settle whether we in this much-favoured district of Nature are to be freed from the yoke with Which wo have been oppressed since Squattocracy gained the ascendancy, or whether the people are to be represented by one of themselves. As the mouthpiece of the land rings has so truly said—perhaps it only happened to be the truth by accident—there never was a time when the country so urgently needed the assistance of reliable and straightforward men; yes, and there never was a time when this district so urgently needed a thorough representation of its interests. And which is the candidate the most competent —not only in natural ability, but in intensity of purpose—to undertake the task ? All three have been tried, and only one found not wanting, and that roan is Allan McDonald. Who had the courage to oppose the harbour before it was too late, and foresaw the disaster it would work on the district in the hands of those who wished to use it as a steppingItone for their own personal interests ? Who has worked for the interests of the district, and for the working classes, since ever he threw in his lot with us P Who is the man that has and will inspire confidence when he enters the House? To each question we must reply—Allan McDonald, of course. 1 advise all my fellow-electors to go straight for him.—l am, Ac., Countryman.

[TO THZ EdIIOB.) Bin, —I was very much amused on reading a letter by “ Grannonite " in your Thursday’s issue. The writer discloses his own wavering tendency when he meekly asks the electors to take no notice of the show of hands on nomination day. He plaintively whines that the papers will take no notice of his pet man, but I, as one of the 170 who held up against him, say that you are taking too much notice of Gannon when you affirm that he has no show. I, as another elector, say that “ Gannonite ” deliberately prevaricates when he says Gannon has the best show of the lot. Monday next will prove who is right.—l am, &c., A Bail Sitieb. [To THS EDITOB.j Bib —The time is fast appproaching when it will be undisputably settled as to who amongst the candidates will be the chosen of the people —not that there is any particular choice, in so far as true questions of politics are concerned, since it is felt that each candidate stands committed to a line of action, that does not meet with the the approval of the electors. Nevertireless, let them remember that it is the maxim of the wise to never despair but to utilize those means that the the chance of the moment may place within their reach as lawful expedients lu a means of success and which iu this instance, it is the imperative duty of each elector to employ with judg ment and discretion. Whatever may" be the merits of either candidate as viewed from the standpoint of political ability, “at the present crisis ” is neither here nor there, because it is apparent that each is trying to go in as the representative of a party, and so this constituency is placed in the invidious position of accepting one of the three. Therefore since the position has resolved itself into a question of get all you can leaves no doubt as to whom to choose. The supporters of Mr Gannon build their hope of success on his powers of speed. Well it must be confessed that his attitude is rather striking when in the act of declamation, as with feet planted firmly together, chest protruding, head erect and lateral curvature of the back strongly reminds one of a force pump in motion, and with equally chilling effect which sometimes leaves a feeling of shiftiness in the minds of his hearers. Dick's pet Mr Graham is backed on the ground of his business qualifications, well the electors know something about that, and however much his friends may laud his abilities and struggle to prove that he has an equal right to secure the interests of the Assets Company as any other land purchaser has to secure his private rights ; it i* not sought to deny—but it is denied that Mr Graham or any other candidate has the right to go into that House for party interest and with the avowed intention of dispossessing public property. Whilst not agreeing with Mr McDonald in some of his political views, more especially with respect to the sale of the land and railways, yet there is no doubt his politics best merit at this time the attention of the electors, and since the voice of the people must be heard anent land and railway matters, and Mr McDonald’s natural good sense leaves him open to conviction anent these questions, settles the argument in his favour. To sum up shortly, if, this constituency must perforce accept a logroller on this question, I am as game as Mac to back a canny Scot of the Highland order against any highflying Christendom. It is therefore to the ratepayers’ interests (as they will quickly find out) to return Mac at the head of the pole. I have just seen a cartoon of Mac, Gannon, and Graham in significant attitudes. Am I to understand that the two swords at Mac’s feet are the weapons by which he proposes to annihilate his two puny opponents tail up and merry . Andrew. —I am, &c. J. Sj nd last.