The Thames Star. Resurrexi. TUESDAY, APRIL 14, 1896. THE TOWN CLERKSHIP.

Thames Star, Volume XXVII, Issue 8323, 14 April 1896, Page 2

The Thames Star. Resurrexi. TUESDAY, APRIL 14, 1896. THE TOWN CLERKSHIP.

In his letter to the Advertiser Mr Trembath's object is evidently to distort and mis-represent the meaning of our remarks in the Star on Saturday. He says :—" Regarding the dictatorial tone adopted in the leader towards the Council as to what manner of man the Council should appoint, I am sure that councillors one and all will bitterly resent the liberty taken to instruct them how to conduct their own affairs." Now there is not one word throughout our article which " dictates" to Councillors that they -are not to have the courage of their own convictions.. The actions, whether past or contemplated, of every public body are oyjen to criticism in the Press, and beyond the limits of fair criticism we have not attempted to go. "We have simply pointed out the fallacy of the idea which possesses some people, viz., that all that is required for the Town Clerkship is a mere book-keeper. We have emphasised the fact that the holder of the position should also be a man of tact, experience, and ability— one who can both advise and obey, and conduct the affairs of the municipality in a manner worthy of the name. AYe do not think that any sensible person, considering the responsibilities attaching to the position, would for a moment dispute the stand thus taken. If Mr Trembath wishes to infer that we desire to cram any particular candidate down the throat of the Council, then we must brand his inference as a perversion of the truth. If his nose is so excessively vigilant as to smell a rat where no rat exists, then we would advise him either to cure it or rid himself of the offending member altogether. We have in no way exceeded our rights as disinterested critics and as guardians of the public welfare; the stand taken with regard to the Town Clerkship is eminently fair, and we are confident that no Councillor, barring Mr Trembath, will take our remarks as an attack upon his personal liberty ef thought. There is nothing in our article " insulting and degrading," either to the Government or to the Council, and we can only re-echo the hope that Councillors will do their duty without fear or favor.