OUR COUNTY CHAIRMAN PROTEMORE.

Inangahua Times, Volume X, Issue 1545, 8 May 1885, Page 2

OUR COUNTY CHAIRMAN PROTEMORE.

(TO TUB EDITOB, IWAMOABPA TIICW.) Bib. — Any person pnmesaodrtf common sense or ordinary intelligence must admit that thw incongruous selection, and farcical election of County Chairuian places the consenting mom bars of the Inangahua County councillors far below the average intelligence of the general public, and for the credit of Reefton in particular, and the Inangahua County in general I trust the appointment is hut protem pore. But it is urged by aotne that the Chnirman elect is an hovest, straightforward, and liberal man. Woll, admitting him to be enduw«d with all thes# which iri

themselves are very good and commendable ; yet there are «ther accomplishments wholly wanting which are absolutely essential to the qualification of candidates aspiring to the responsible petition of Chairman without wAich n« candidate can be eligible. But the lamentable dearth t»f these essentials redound leas to the discredit <»f our alleged Chairman and his colleagues than their unblushing effrontery and principles. No blame or dishonour can be attributed to men merely because they did not happen to be born with a " silver spoon in their mouth," nor fortunate enough t« receive a liberal share of education. But therer is much blame attached to those who are uneducated (consequently unqualified) for aspiring to, or accepting of, positions that n«ne but educated men should occupy. I make no pretence whatever to scholastic attainments myself, but I have just acquired sufficient knowledge to discern np own ignorance, and to prevent me from plunging beyond my measured depth, or soaring above my limited capacity, and it certainly would require superior influence to that of three County councillors and myself combined to convince my natural vanity that I would be competent t« fill the position ml County Chairman credit- | ably alike to myself or the public. Neither can I understand how men can be expected to efficiently discharge the official functions, or creditably fill the position of County Chairman, and be innocent as babes of orthography, etymology, or syntax. The most uncultured amongst us will readily admit that a moderate share of literary talent is absolutely indispensable to all men whe aspire to public honours. But when we find men literally devoid of the most ordinary attainments placed at the head of public affairs, we can arrive at n« other conclusion than that the elected and the electors acted under the influence of temporary insanity, or that of ignorant presumption, which is even more unpardonable. But there is oft a method in madness and a motto connected with a method which permits the end to " justify the means " and which in this particular instance is tow well understood to require any explanation. Therefore. I nee<l not occupy more of your valuable space with further reflections at present. Thanking you in anticipation for the space allotted. lam &a., Obskrvzb.