MR SMITH’S MEETING AT OPUNAKE.

Opunake Times, Volume V, Issue 229, 13 November 1896, Page 2

MR SMITH’S MEETING AT OPUNAKE.

(to editor.) Sir, —I see by your report of Mr Smith’s m°eling, that li*e has as usual been very liberal with promises. This is not more than might have been expected at such times. I gave the Opunake electors credit for not being so easily gulled. When that end of the district had suffered from severe floods, some time since and a number of bridges were washed away, and the metal washed off the roads, so as to make them almost impassable, and the country not having any funds to repair the damage done, Mr Smith was approached through the Taranaki County Council, as counties in other parts were getting assistance, but noue could be got. Of course there was no general election on at the time. The settlers had to come to the rescue and help themselves, especially the Eltbam Road settlers. I know the feeling among the councillors was that they are over-rating themselves. There is no doubt grfeat credit is due to the settlers at Opunake lor the way in which they subscribed to assist in getting the bridges erected. Then again, sir, there is no doubt it ivould have been a great advantage to the Taranaki County and the district south of Opunake if a small county had been making Opunake the county town, bit Mr Smith must shove in his bar; no doubt, vefy uncalled for, and kill the bill, thus doing away with a proposal in which the whole of the ratepayers would have been benefited. I trust the electors will weigh these matters and elect a man who has some stake in the country, and whose interests will be their interests. —I am, &c„ W. Okkv. Frankley Road. November 7th, 1866.