THE MACANDREW TESTIMONIAL.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 4684, 21 February 1877, Page 3

THE MACANDREW TESTIMONIAL.

TO THE EDITOR. Sir —Your issue of to-day contains the following advertisement:—" Citizens of all shades of political opinion who believe that Mr Macandrew's long public services deserve a fitting recognition," &c. Also, the following paragraph:--" A number of gentlemen met yesterday afternoon at Murray's to consider," &c. And then, further on, the following paragraph:—"A meeting of the Political Asjociation was held yesterday afternoon at Murray's Hotel," .fee. I don't think anyone will have any difficulty in connecting these three paragraphs together, and gleaning from them that at last the real object for which this Political Association has met and plotted has come to light. Th 3 Alpha and Omega of their political creed has been " Macandrew," and nothing else. It was not Provincialism they fought for, for no man did more than James Macandrew to bring that to its grave. It was not the fear of Wellington interference, for did not James the first and last join with Vogel and Co. in bringing the Northern hordes into our midst, and making our railways. No! the ona principle they fought for was " Macandrew." Well, I don't object to this, only don't let them come now and talk about this testimonial being " not a party one." It unmistakeably is that—the proposal of his admirers, and nothing elso. If it be not so, there are just a few minor things which should be recalled to memory, which might materially modify people's ideas of what would be "a fitting recognition" for such services, and it would be as well for Mr Macandrew's friends not to raise these. By all means, let them give him a testimonial if they think he has not been well paid by his £1000 a year and the honour of the position, but don't le* them think they are going to deceive by the cry of " no party" men who know what James Macandrew's career here has been. —I am, &o. QUIETA NON MoVEUK.