MR. WOODBINE JOHNSON'S PROMISE.

Poverty Bay Herald, 21 August 1879, Page 2

MR. WOODBINE JOHNSON'S PROMISE.

' [To the Editor of the Herald.] Sir, — Mr. Woodbine Johnson and Captain Porter have distinctly pledged themselves, publicly as well as privately that either would retire m. favor of the electors, so that there would be only one local' man m the field. Now, before this voice is heard, Mr. Woodbine Johnson declares he will " fight to- the bitter end." Bravo for his pluck! but what about his. political honesty. I mean his principle— what does this first breach of faith mean 1 Simply, that he throws the seat into the hands of Capt. Morris, and relinquishes every claim he has to the respect of this end of the electorate. What is one the pledges and promises he gives, respecting his conduct m the House worth when he repudiates at the outset his; pledge to be guided by the voice of the local electors, as to the best means of securing the return of a local man. He will " fight to the bitter end," thereby exhibiting to the gaze of those electors the patriotic example of Mr. Woodbine Johnson, foremast man m the return of/ Captain Morris. I therefore ask is Mr. Johnson, regardless of his pledges, determined to try his strength m this death struggle 1 Is he unmindful of {the interests of the district, or is he on Captain Morris' Committee ? The fact of Mr". Allan McDonald having secured a little interest at Tauranga is altogether m olif favor, as he has no support at this end. So we may look npon him as altogether an outsider. ..Let him. " fight it to the bitter end," and, we ; will thank him, but ladvise Mr. Johnson to reconsider before actual apostasy. 7-7 1 am &c,. A Friend of Mr. Johnson's.