DISTRICT DELEGATE IN SELF-DEFENCE.

Cromwell Argus, Volume IV, Issue 177, 1 April 1873, Page 5

DISTRICT DELEGATE IN SELF-DEFENCE.

To the Editor of the Cromwell Argos. Sin,—la your issue of March 2f), I see your report of proceedings in-connection with the Cromwell District Miners’ Association. la such report, I am sorry to see my name figure so conspicuously as having slighted so many of your highly respected citizens. 1 • The Chairihun considers the formation of the Bannockburn and Carrick Range Association a m ; stake; and the only reason lie gives for his opinion is, that we (the promoters of the body) did not consult the Cromwell Association. JSow, lean assure’ him- and his follow members that the miners of this Association are quite qualified to judge what is best for themselves without asking the opinion of the Cromwell dignitaries. The ex-Mayor follows suit ; indeed it is natural to expect, as that gentleman has likewise filled the civic chair, that his opinions are not to be in opposition to those of his successor. He disapproves of my conduct towards the Association which head elected me. In reply, I may state that I asked several members of the Committee to call a meeting together ; among the rest, the present and past Chairman ; and upon his suggestion 1 forwarded the name of the late Secretary to the Committee at the Arrow, through which means the Association received the letter read at the meeting in question. I also showed them the communication 1 had previously received from the Miners’ Central Committee. There is one thing 1 am rather disappointed not to see in your report, although it may perhaps be accounted for by the fact (I believe) that there were not half a dozen legitimate m.ners in attendance; else surely some of them might have spoken a word in my favour ; for I cannot think for one moment that they entirely disapprove of my conduct in using my endeavour to form a branch of the Otago Miners’ Association here, having pledged myself to do so on iny return from the Conference. The whole tenor of the meeting seems to me to be selfish and c mfined in idea. iNo doubt, j many of the Cromwell people would not object i to seeing a number of miners at ending meetings : there,—especially some of the whisky-vendors, ] Let me say, Mr Editor, that when the next : meeting of the Cromwell Association takes place, . I shall be most happy to attend, and to explain | ,; Consistency Exemplified,” or give any other j information it may lay in my power to furnish. I In conclusion, 1 hope that at next meeting the | President will find something better to, do and i more beneficial, than to listen to a few speculative i miners throwing something like dirty water on ! a body of miners whom I have the honour to i represent.—l am, &c., j . .Fames Ckombie. President P>. & C. R. Miners’ Association.