TO WHOMSOEVER MAY ENLIGHTEN.

Northland Age, Volume II, Issue 35, 3 September 1930, Page 6

TO WHOMSOEVER MAY ENLIGHTEN.

May I, as a newcomer to this district, seek per medium ot my paper, information on a matter which to me presents more perplexities than the proverbial Chinese puzzle. Whilst acknowledging that my actions in making this appeal are somewhat unorthodox, I beg to state that I write from the point of view of one who is interested in the welfare and progress of the district, and such being the case I trust I may not be unjustly accused of abusing the privileges afforded to me as Editor of this paper. From the outset permit me to make it pertectly clear, that this is no political camouflage. I have no axe to grind, being in that fortunate position that I do not entirely depend on my present position for my future livelihood. .

I am an Englishman by birth and I have always made it my earnest endeavour to live up to the traditions of the land of my birth, by ever striving for British fair plav in all things with which I may be associated. The policy of this paper was presented to me as one which stood for fair play, clean politics, and for the propaganda of movements which would prove beneficial to the progress of the district. Under this pretext, I accepted my present position and tor these principles I intend to fight. I refuse to be contaminated by or be associated with any persons who would sacrifice the interests and welfare of their district for their own political bias. Before presenting my problems let me assure you, dear reader, that this communication has not been presented to the directors of my paper for their approval and censorship, as I feel that I am justified in being unconventional, for they engaged me professing the policy of their paper to be that which was in entire accordance with my own principles. This paper supports the candidature of Captain Rushworth, if my letter bears fruit and it is revealed to me that the honourable member has wilfully permitted his political ambitions to influence him in such a manner as may be considered to be detrimental to the welfare of this district, then I shall immediately sever my connections with the paper, being consoled with the fact that I have had at least rendered the community some little service.

Since my arrival in Kaitaia, I have read much in connection with the Herekino —Awaroa Highway. I picked up Thursday’s Edition of the New Zealand Herald and behold I find mention of it there ! Now I have gone carefully into this matter and have come to this conclusion. Capt, Rushworth is either trying to hoodwink his constituents or there is some influence which is attempting to frustrate the efforts of the honourable member of this district. This is the only conclusion a newcomer can arrive at.

Take this extract from a telegram sent by Capt. Rushworth to the Chairman of the Mangonui County Council, “I was very disappointed your County’s representative did not move or support recommendation adopted by Main Highways District Council at meetiug held in Whangarei on 26th June last.” Captain Rushworth further maintains that he informed the Mangonui County Council both by telegram and letter that the Main Highways Board would not take any action in the matter un-

less and until a recommendation covering the work required was submitted to the Board by the Main Highways District Council which meets periodically at Whangarei. Did the Chairman of the Mangonui County Council receive advice to this effect ?

If so, did the Mangonui County Council’s representative when at Whangarei, conform to the proposal contained in the above communication from Capt. Rushworth, realising as he must, that upon his actions depended the success of the scheme. It the Mangonui County Council’s representative on the Main Highways District Council did not do as Capt. Rushworth suggested was necessary, then may I enquire what excuse can he offer to justify his actions, and further still what are the motives of those who organised the meeting at Herekino on Tuesday the 26th ult.

I am not gifted with the vision of the seer, but I can plainly see that those who were responsible for the meeting at Herekino have no faith in the ability and integrity of Capt. Rushworth, this I think is plain to anyone, gifted though he be with even a limited amount of intelligence.

To state my case briefly, I am confronted with two problems. Either Capt. Rushworth or persons who are antagonistic towards him are adopting tactic, the results of which are detrimental to the welfare of the district.

I have read Capt. Rushworth’s contentions, but refuse to form an opinion having only heard

orm side of the argument. Trusting that I may receive some enlightenment on this subject and so render the district some little service, I am, G. Millar, Editor, Kaitaia Guardian