COUNTY ELECTIONS.

Northern Advocate, 29 October 1887, Page 3

COUNTY ELECTIONS.

(To the liditor.) Sir, — As we are about to have a county election in a we«k or two, and there is likely to be a keen contest for* some of the ridings, I think we should hear the views of the candidates on some important points. In theMaunu riding there are six candidates in the field. Now out of the lot, as far as I can discover, only two have the courage of their convictions en the borrowing question, viz., Mr Corne3 against, and Mr J. D. McKenzie for borrowing. The others are probably waiting to see which will be the most popular side. I for one will vote for Mr McKenzie, not only because he is a borrowing candidate, but because he has shown, himself to be public spirited, and an enterprising man ; and a man who could not tolerate double dealing, and I believe is ambitious to serve his district, fllr Comes is no doubt a very successful man, and with an injection of a few liberal ideas, would no doubt make a good councillor, but if he is allowed to lead the town against borrowing and progress, then I say he may become a very bad one. The settlers for the most part are anxious to borrow ; but the town has the voting power, and with small mortgaged properties, are not so anxious to see the place go ahead as the farmer who owns his land. Before knowing the true state of things I was greatly surprised that the town would try to 'keep the country back, which also means keeping the town back too. I have also been told that the money lenders would feel a pang at seeing money at 5 per cent invested alongside their own at from 10 ta 25 per cent. However, it is to be hoped that the town will show itself more blessed than we anticipate, and not stop our only chance of progress and develope* ment. What a boon it would be to the town for instance if it was connected by a metalled road with Maungakaramea, Waikiekei, Mangapai, Buatangata, Otonga, "Waipu and others, and the extra cost of haulage saved to the settler and spent in goods. Let us have roads, and then we will be able to compete with those who have them. Remove this handicap of eternal mud from our feet, and the extra tax will be light to carry. If we do thus wo we will soon see the wings of commerce spread over the land. With good honest councillors we need not be afraid to borrow. Fellow settlers, rise your voices and claim your right ; this is no time to be idle. " There is a tide in the. affairs of man &o." Now is the tide that will carry you, see that you do not lose it, and you will have every assistance.— l am, &c. A Batbpatee.