MR CROMBIE IN EXPLANATION.

Cromwell Argus, Volume V, Issue 212, 2 December 1873, Page 6

MR CROMBIE IN EXPLANATION.

To the Editor of the Cromwell Argus. Sir,—ln your issue of November 25, 1 had the pleasure of reading a report of a meeting of the Mining Association, la the first place, I do not recognise the meeting as being an Association meeting, for the simple reason that it was not called in the manner allowed by the laws of the Association, and I consider, also, that any business transacted on that occasion is null and void so far as the Mining Association is concerned. One thing as regards the report I am sorry to say : your informant has steered as far clear of the truth as possible,—whether with intention or not he knows best himself. In explanation, Mr Editor, I stated to the meeting that the objections sent in against the Premier lease were of no use except made valid by the sura of five pounds. Such sum I did deposit, but owing to the survey not being completed, the Warden declined hearing the case. When taxed by some of the members with having thrown them over, I told them, if such had been my intention, it was not likely I would have sustained the objection by paying the money but of my pocket. I likewise informed the meeting that, being interested in a lease application, I was not prepared to object on behalf of the Association. Your informant says the explanation was received with unanimous disapprobation. Your readers may judge for themselves of ihe truth of this, when they are told these facts. The person proposing the resolution declaring no confidence in me as President was so strongly under the influence of fermented potations as to be .almost incapable, and the Chairman had to frame his proposition. Four voted for the motion, and it was declared carried ! Mr O'Neill read a form of petition for signature, the most attractive portion of which was that treating of the injury likely to result to private water-holders from the leasing system. i rather think he was speaking in his own interest, and not in that of the district. In conclusion, I am most happy to say that the risk your correspondent refers to did not annoy me in«the least, for in my own quiet way of thinking, I daresay I place as little value on a " liver" as your prevaricating informant does ; for I believe the same gentleman could smell his pound of flesh if it was perched on the top of the Carriek Range and he only on a level with the Bannockburn Co.'s water race.—l am, &c, James Crombie. Bannockburn, Nov. 29, 1873.