THE ELECTION.

Manawatu Times, Volume V, Issue 146, 4 June 1881, Page 3

THE ELECTION.

TO THH EDITOR. Sib, — Mr Snelson at his meeting on Wednesday evening told us a long story of the goad he had done for Palmerstou, while Mr Leary at his meeting had no such tale to tell. Assuming that the one candidate for Municipal honors has done bo much, and that the other has done nothing, it would appear at first sight there could he no question as to which of the two would hest represent us m- the Council. It stems to me there can de no harm m placing both under the microscope, so that we may arrive at a true estimate of their work. Judging from Mr Snelson's remarks it would seem that whatever good has been done for Palme^ston, has been done by him, or as he said "by his unaided efforts." At least this is the impression conveyed by his statements, and whilst I would not for a moment deny that he has had a fing«r m many of the matters alluded to, and would not wish to take from him the credit which is his due, still it must be ! evident to all that others have done their i s hare. and m appropriating the whole of the credit to himself, he necessarily detracts from that which is due to his fellow towsmen. Mr Snelson claims the credit of procuring the reserve for the town (I presume he alluded to the reserve by the bank of the river.) Now he like all the other old residents is well aware that this land was reserved by the Government when the township was laid off. Mr/ Snelson stated: at his meeting that when the Borough wat proclaimed the Council took over a debt of £300 from the Local Board, and that this with all other debts were successfully, paid off, m the doing of which he took to himself no small amount of credit. In cotitrast to thiij Mr Leary told us that this amount it not paid off' even yet. ■ Again; Mr Snelson told us m answer to a question put at his meeting that there was only Pome still to be expen led of the £3COO loan, while Mr Leary informed lid that there was £2000 still 'to be expend. The B"r.>i]gi) Treasurer who vas present at the last mentioned meeting stated publicly, that Mr Leary's figures were correct. While giving all due credit to Mr Snelson smd the Council for what they have accomplished, we must not give undue credit by accepting Mr Sndson'i figures. Did Mr Snelson purpoMly give us wrong figures P If so, for what reason ; or did he speak m ignorance (it must have been one or other) m either case he is scarcely the man to represent us, as we want a man we c;m depend upon m every respect. Mr Leary on the other hand seems to be an extremely modest gentleman.

Although he did not tell you that ; there is no reason why / should not, that the progress of Palmerston is largely due to the newspaper which' he established m our town, and carried on successfully for several years. His paptr was quoted as an authority by the PreRS of Wellington, Wairarapa, Otago and Canterbury. The requirements of the district were so well advocated that there: was- little difficulty m obtaining them, and its capabilities were so well promulgated, that the attention of all. New Zealand, was drawn to the Manawatu, and to this may be attributed the advent amongst us of many of our residents. I have, always heard (although open to correctiou), that Mr Leary's word can be relied upon at all times. He seems to be an honest man, an able man, and a gentleman, and that isthe sort of man we require. It will be a. good diy for Paltnerston when all the T seats at the Council table are filled by mjn of his stamp.— l am, &c. Dot, Palmerston, June 3rd.