to be a matter of great importance, and had more to do with the public than with anyone else. There had been no complaint from the town, and Mr. Ross had moved in the entire absence of public complaint. They all knew what great unpleasantness had been caused by previous movements, and the Council ought to consider the public before their own individual views. As members of that Board they were simply holding power as the servants of the public, and he thought they ought not to take any step on the question against the recent expression of opinion on the subject. The public had most to do in the matter, and if any complaint had to be made the public would do it to the Postmaster-General. His own business connection was a pretty large one, but he had heard no complaint; in fact, parties at the west end had expressed themselves highly pleased with the present arrangements, there being three deliveries every day [Sundays, of course, excepted, when there was only one delivery]. As Mr. Ross had spoken so strongly at the last meeting about the recurrence of “East and West,” and had condemned the use of the terms, he (the speaker) had hoped to hear no more about the present disputed question. The Council could certainly do no good, nor would they gain an inch of ground on the subject, while the members themselves would be divided. Under such circumstances they could not expect to get the sympathy and respect shewn them by the Post-Office authorities which was otherwise due to a public body, engaged as they would be in urging forward resolutions in opposition to the public. He should oppose the movement both in the Council and out of it, and would now move that the Council pass to the next business.
Coun. Putland was sorry the matter had been brought up again. He would tell them that he did not care whether they said he lived in Hastings or St. Leonards, but he did care about the attempt now being made merely because there was a new Postmaster-General, without any consultation with the public. The Council ought not to be drawn into collision with the inhabitants, nor ought public feeling to be aroused and embittered in consequence of there being a new Postmaster. He (Mr. P.) had heard no complaints for months, and was not aware that any mistakes had been made with his own letters. At the last Board meeting, if his memory served him rightly, Mr. Ross said it was scandalous to be continually alluding to East Ward and West Ward; but his present resolution was to throw East and West into direct opposition. It aimed at doing away with the western -
