Page 3 Advertisements Column 1

Hawke's Bay Herald, Volume I, Issue 7, 7 November 1857, Page 3

To the Electors of Ahuriri. GENTLEMEN,— AN impression appears to prevail within the Town of Napier, .that ,we are opposed to an increased expenditure in this District. Our opponents have endeavoured to place themselves in strong contrast to us in this respect, though they must be well aware that we are as anxious as they, to obtain a fair share of the Provincial revenue. But the way in which we wish to obtain these results is entirely different. Believing that the Provincial Government have only been prevented from carrying out impjrovemeats in this part of the Province because they were not fully supported by us, and tad to trust to the support of the Town of Wellington, we argue that, by supporting them, we shall obtain those advantages for this District, which the i Government will have then no object in refusing. Mr. FitzGerald, by a long array of statistical data, has come to a singular conclusion that separation is our only hope — by that very admission strengthening that Wellington party which he himself allows are opposed to our interests ; for it is clear , that the fear of losing the most valuable i part of the Province will induce many to unite against us who would otherwise have no common bond of union. The principles enunciated by Mr. FitzGerald have an outward appearanceof ultra - provincialism, but, when further examined, their true tendency is found to be towards a centralism almost absolute. When an objection has been raised to immediate separation, on the score of its expense, one advocate replies that a Superintendent and clerk are sufficient to manage this new Province ; another that the same Officer and four clerks are sufficient ; a third that a Provincial Council of nine members will constitute its representation, and that the waste lands are to be handed back to the General Government. We should thus be enabled to govern cheaply, much on the same principle that the old Irish gentleman managed his estate by parting with it. But, admitting that separation had becojne a necessity, (a result which Mr. FitzGerald's independent policy would soon bririg about), are we not all aware that nothing could be settled for two years, and, is it not evident that in those two years Mr. Wakefielrt's party may effect our ruin. To go into the Provincial Council with a divided provincial interest, is as absurd as it would he for the left wing of an army to refuse to join the right on the eve of battle, because one division thought the minie rifle should be used, while the other approved of a charge of bayonets. In one word, our opponents feel themselves great in opposition. Their genius lies in destruction. Any change with them is a change for the better, and all who prefer gaining the same ends by less turbulent means are denounced as partisans. To join j a party, for whatever object, is to them the greatest of political crimes. We say them, because Mr. Gollan has allowed himself to become identified with Mr. FitzGerald, and j perhaps he now regrets that he has thus sacrificed his independence of judgment. On our part, we are more inclined to build than pull down, and for this very reason are less lavish in promises than our opponents. We see clearly that this District is destined to be great and flourishing. Since its harbour is inaccessible to ships of considerable tonnage, then let the Province spend large sums in its improvement. We require trunk lines. Is it likely that any Government will refuse an expenditure which will increase the value of its property to an unknown extent ? But we go farther ; trunk lines are of the first importance ; but branch lines are almost of equal value, and we consider that all branch lines leading to valuable localities should he a charge upon the revenue of the whole Province. In conclusion, Gentlemen, it is hardly necessary to observe that in appealing to the suffrages of this District, we have no private interests to forward, but are actuated only by an honest conviction that we represent the views of a large proportion of thinking men ; and we feel bound in justice to them, as well as to ourselves, to State thus publicly the grounds on which ■we appeal to the electors of Ahuriri. We have the honor to be,Gentlemen, Your Obedient, humble Servants, JT. PURVIS RUSSELL. ROBERT PHARAZSN. November 3, 1857,