Correspondence.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 4162, 23 August 1881, Page 3

Correspondence.

MUNICIPAL ELECTION. TO THIS EDITOR 07 THI STAB.

Ssb, — Haviig waited in rain for some abler pen to take up the above subject, I am reluctantly compelled to advocate tho cause of our present Councillor, Mr Hulbert, having watched his actions since occupying a seat on Municipal Board. I think you will agree with me in that he has done everything in his power to advance the interests of his constituents, and in my humble judgment the resolution tabled by that geutleman for the re-organisation of the old staff of employes in tho City Council is a step in the right direction of reform. What we require, sir, 19 a, good solicitor to occupy the position of Town Clark, say at a salary of £1000 a year, and then the ratepayers would be benefited to the amount of £400 per annum. What other city under the sun would permit the same firm to act not only for tbe town, but for two of the most powerful companies in Christchuroh ? If the resolution of Councillor Hulbert is carried, we sluH (hen have a Town Clerk who will be able to give sound advice, conduct our cases in the Resident Magistrate's Court, and be able to do away with that burlesquo which we have been in tho habit of Beeing. Sir, what claim has Mr Manning upon the suffrages of the ratepayer* ? I well remember that gentleman occupying cho position of Chairman to the Heathcote Road Board when, by hia laxity in tho interest of his constituents, he allowed a certain officer to defraud the ratepayers to the amount of Feveral hundred pounds. In these .times of depression, I consider we need men of strong minds and clear intellect, who will be master of their position, and not permit the eervants of tho Corporation to occupy the same. Believ ing Councillor? Hulbert is endowed with those qualities, he will have the support of

A HEATHCOTE RATEPAYER Christchurcb, August 23.

THE COHItfG ELECTION— SOUTH-

EAST WARD. TO THJ EDITOH OF THE STAB.

Sic, — Allow rae a small space in your paper re tho above.

A great deal of capital seems to bo made out of the improper means resorted to to secure names to tho requisition to Messrs Mutining and Jenkins. It ij mere supposition on the part of Mr Hulbert or hio friends that such ia the case. To my mind it is simply pu.s forward as an electioneering ruse.

Tho names of tho respective Committees of Meesivs Manning and Jenkins lire sufficient guarantee that they would not leud themselvei to anything so paliry.

Both candidates are of woll-known rospectability, and men having a very largo number of friend?, which is quite sufficient proof that such a course as indicated is totally abeurd, quito unnecessary, and, I think I may add, wilfully untrue.

Is it because a Councillor has servod his term of office fair!) 1 well ho should presume to occupy that, position for ever ?

It must be in tlio memory of all that generally, at such liruo.'i us these, great difficulty is experienced in getting suitable men to come forward ; but now, on this occasion, when ouch men as Jenkins and Manning are in tlio field, it behoves overy ratepayer of this Ward to consider well before promising their vota ; that either of tlio above-named gentlemen are as well able, and, I am quite sure, willing, us Councillor Hulbcrt to study their interests and of the Municipality generally. I do belie re, in i>. community like our own, it i« but right to give every opportunity to any now blood that may turn up (although, by-tho-bye, I beliove Mr Jenkins has boeu a Councillor before), and it is only by this roeaDß we may hope to secure for the future men of sterling ability and of iudepondent spirit— consis'ent; with a regard for tho public good — to represent our interests in the Council.

I however do no 1 ; wish ta take from Councillor If. ony of (ho merit he may deserve, but there w.iijt, be some very strong motives for desiring v, new man in this Ward. It is not customary to see such strong opposition us Councillor H. seems to be having. I cannot hi lp thinking Councillor H. showed too rnu.-h anxiety to remain where he is. Juct notico tlio manner in which ho rii9hed his announcement into tho papers. It savoured strongly of that air of importance which bo characterises tho man.

Ho'A'^vev, us the polling day drawa near, things I havo no doubt will have lal;cn si different, turn, ami in all probability Councillor Hulbert will gracefully retire, giving boiuo other g- ritlcmen un opportunity of distinguishing themselves.

Trusting 1 have nob taken too many liberties with --cuv Bpac3, I urn, Sir, voura, &c, ' CITIZEN.