Poverty Bay Herald.

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume XVI, Issue 5623, 19 November 1889, Page 2

Poverty Bay Herald.

PUBLISHED EVERT EVENING

GISBORNE, TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 1!). ISS9. MR GRAHAM AND THE ASSETS COMPANY. Mr Graham was rather tardy in giving an explanation of the statement he was reported to have made at the previous meeting of his creditors, and which was to the effect that he sought election to Parliament in the interests of the Assets Company. However, delay was excusable under the circumstances, as the exmember is now in such a position that he naturally shrinks from adding political to his financial troubles. Still it \v;is necessary, in the interests of the district and in justice to the present Government, that Mr Graham should explain what he really did mean. Ministers must have been pained to learn that they had been influenced in the measures they brought before Parliament by the agent of an outside Company, the agent acting directly in the interests of the Company. There is no doubt that the answer of Mr Graham to Dr Pollen's question bore that interpretation, and was so interpreted by those who were present on the occasion. The fact is that Mr Graham at the time felt himself in so painful a position that he did not know whether lie stood on his head or his heels. In such a frame of mind a man is likely to fall into error the moment he opens his mouth. Up to yesterday not a word was saul impugning the correctness of tho report of the meeting on the 4th instant, at which there were about a dozen creditors present. Mr Graham expresses a hope that the local agent of the Press Association will take steps to have tho affair placed in another light. The request has been cheerfully acceded to, and the ex-mem-ber's explanation has been wired to our contemporaries. That much was required in the interests of the district. We are certain that the electors of the East Coast would not think of sending a man to Parliament whose sole motive in going there was the grinding of a particular axe. Anyone acquainted with the circumstances attending the candidature of Mr Graham knows perfectly well the main inducements that brought him out. He was regarded as about the most capable man in the Bay, and no one bore a higher character. There was strong pressure of a most proper and legitimate sort brought to bear upon him to stand. His supporters, who embraced all classes of the community, thought so highly of him that (hey raised a considerable -sum of money to defray the expenses of the contest. But Mr Graham was mainly moved to come forward through the treatment he received in a Harbor Board matter from underhand political influence. Mr Graham was the Chairman of the Board, and had always taken a deep interest in all affairs relating to the port. He was a Government nominee, and was remored from the Board. Had it not been for that circumstance, probably no amount of pressure would have induced Mr Graham to become a candidate. Of course, his intimate knowledge of the Native Land question was one of his chief recommendations in the eyes of the electors. Everyone was aware that Mr Graham was the representative of the Assets Company, and that the Com] .any was largely involved in native lands disputes. The settlement of titles was looked upon as a matter of public policy ; and the fact of a representative being personally interested must be regarded as an incitement to action. Who ever heard of an objection to Protectionists sending a manufacturer to Parliament, or Freetraders returning an importer. In such case, each side would be regarded as fittingly represented. Tho defects in Native lavs were the results of the legislation of men who were profoundly ignorant of the subject, and whose interests in the matter were of the most remote liHture. When in Parliament, Mr Graham attempted no special legislation on behalf of the Assets Company. The Acts of the two last sessions have conferrod benefits on tho North Island generally. The late member for this district is fairly entitled to a measure of credit for the reform that has been brought about. He was exceedingly zealous in promoting native legislation of a beneficial character, and was recognised by the Government as an authority on the subject. Mr Graham's politicalcareer in no way reflects discredit on the constituency. The misconstruction which he says was put on his remarks was certainly calculated to injure both the district and the Ministry. There is no question that the Assets Company lias shared in the Lreneral good effected by the recent alterations in the law, a fact which Mr Graham on the spur of the moment no doubt wished to impress on the Company, which is his principal creditor. He should have more carefully weighed his words. He is quite right in his assertion that political capital is being made out of the affair, but be must remember that he has himself mainly to blame.