Letters from Gath.

Manawatu Times, Volume LXXVIII, Issue 12805, 1 June 1914, Page 8

Letters from Gath.

(Translated by Professor Pangloss.) I Tell it not in Oath ; publish it not in the streets of Askelou !" —From a Book you should study. Ezra the Scribe to Rabbi Beti Adhcm at Jerusalem. Oath, Sivan 1, A.M. 5074. Dear Rabbi, —There is still little to distract the calm in municipal politics. The people are at present more concerned with general politics, which however, have a bearing on municipal, because one of the candidates has been prominent in the latter for some time. I doubt whether until next November, there will be anything of real importance to record, so far as the local government and administration is concerned. The sitting representative in the Great Talking Shop of l'hilistia has undertaken to give an account of his stewardship next Friday evening, and it may be expected that his speech will have some bearing on the coming [ contest. Of this I will be able to relate more next week. One gentleman who was thought to be a possible candidate has determinj ed to try his fortune in another part lof l'hilistia. In many respects he is far above the ordinary candidate, but that does not increase his chances. Ability does not count for so much as other things, besides which this particular candidate has always stemed to me to be on the wrong side in politics, with very uncongenial companions. It is rumoured that one, candidate will run in the Prohibition, Bible in Schools, Liberal and Labour interests. This sounds rather like a mixed drink, say, whisky, lemonade, limejuice, Lurehound beer, and soda —with the spirit left out, of course. It is, however, seldom that a bow with more than one string sends its arrow to the centre of the target. Yet another rumour has it that extreme Socialism will find a champion, but so far nothing definite can be assertained. One thing exercising the minds of some of the people is the question of whether they will pay tribute to the River Board, or test the validity of its demands. It is impossible as yet to say what will be done, because a deputation has to ascertain to-day whether the petition for the Board's dissolution will be granted. If it is granted of course these rates will not be recoverable; if not, then collection may be delayed till the question has been tested in the Courts, and the final decision may not be known for some time.