The Opunake Times. TUESDAY, JANUARY 15, 1895. HARBOR BOARD ELECTIONS.

Opunake Times, Volume II, Issue 56, 15 January 1895, Page 2

The Opunake Times. TUESDAY, JANUARY 15, 1895. HARBOR BOARD ELECTIONS.

The Harbor Board ratepayers are waking up throughout the district to the fact that if they are to get any relief in the meantime from the harbor rate, they must take action themselves. The circular issued by the Opunake Committee has been favorably received throughout the country districts, and concerted action for the return of six country members will be the result. Now when the matter is likely to be forced on the New Plymouth people, they are waking up to the justice of the demands which we are making, and the Chairman of the Board stated that possibly they would reduce the rate by a farthing in 1896. It is worthy of remark that this concession is only promised when they see that the game of a New Plymouth monopoly is about played out. We would, however, advise the country ratepayers to be cautious how they place their trust in such promises, and would remind them of the old saying re deathbed repentance —viz : “ When the devil was sick, the devil a saint would be ; but when the devil got well, the devil a saint was be.” We do not wish to offend either of the gentlemen by the introduction of the simile, but advise the ratepayers to return men who, from the best of till motives—protection of their own pockets—have interests similar to their own. Waimate has undertaken to nominate two members, but their consent has not yet been obtained. Stratford, we understand, has pretty well decided on nominating Mr Monkhouse, County Chairman, and a very capable man. The Parihaka Road Board will be called on on Monday next to nominate a member for this end, and -we presume Mr Maxwell will be selected. He has proved himself a very capable member during bis term, and having fought a contest before, when the polling right round the mountain was heavy, he would be about the best known man we could put up. His action on the Board has met with the warm approval of the country ratepayers generally, and he is consequently popular amongst them. We.therefore do not think a better choice of a representative for this part of the district could be made. Personally he is not over anxious to stand, but if it was the wish of the ratepayers, in order to carry out the scheme, he is willing to allow himself to be placed in nomination. The Opunake Town Board, as soon as a selection is made by the Road Board, intends to hold a meeting to arrange a canvassing committee to further the candidature of the Board’s nomiuee together with the other country candidate who may be nominated. We would impress on every ratepayer the urgent necessity there is for every individual to record his vote, and those who can should use their influence to obtain as many votes being recorded as possible on the occasion. The reduction of a farthing in the rate would mean a saving of about £7OO to Waimate alone and somewhere about £2OO to Parihaka. Besides it would give an increased value to property through having part of the incubus of the rate removed.