MR PYKE IN EXPLANATION.

Dunstan Times, Issue 776, 2 March 1877, Page 3

MR PYKE IN EXPLANATION.

(To the Editor of the Otago Guardian.) Oka.El Mr Editor, —I observe with pleasure the great attention bestowed by the Dunedin Press on the affairs of Vincent County, of which the amusing article in your Saturday’s issue affords another instance. Whilst duly appreciating your meritorious labour, I desire leave to point out a few of the mistakes into which you have innocently fallen. Do not, I pray you, follow the example ot your morning contemporary, who will not inserr, corrections of error in fact even though the name ot the writer bo appended for publication. And first, as to “ tbe compact in your 07ii room,” as my friend MrManders styles tbe financial arrangements made with regard to the goldfields. You seem to think that only MrManders and myself were present at the interview with the Colonial Treasurer; whereas all the Goldfields members (17 in number) wore invited to attend, and It were actually present. The result of that intorvmw was formally announced to the House, and tbe agreement arrived at is embodied in the Financial Arrangements Act, Mr Mandors is mistaken in supposing that “depasturing rents" wore to form any part of County revenue ; but it was agreed'that the sum (about LICOO per annum) derived

from “ depasturing licenses” on commonages should bo handed over to' the Counties ; and 1 have yet to learn that the Government intend to ignore that portion of the “compact.” Now tor the Chairman’s action on the “County town" business so graphically described by you. On this matter allow mo to refer you to my remarks on the occasion, which are reported in the- Dunstan Times, It may bo news to your readers, if not to yourself, that neither Clyde nor Cromwell is within, the County ; that, with some few ‘exceptions, the residents in those towns are not ratepayers nor electors of the County ; and that, therefore, they had no more right to attempt to dictate to the Council wdiero the C.mnty offices should be located than the citizens of Dunedin have to dictate to the Councils of Taieri or Waikouaiti. I thought, and still think, that the question of a “County town” should have been hedd over until one or other of the towns had merged into the County. My opinion on this matter was well known ; and 1 refused to hamper myself with pledges or promises pending such merger. Mark now avhat really occurred. You say—“ MrPyko voted for Cromwell—hurrah for Cromwell I” There you are wrong, Mr Editor. Again you say—Mr Pyke voted for Clyde—hurrah for Clyde 1” Wrong once more. I did neither. Believing the consideration of the question to have been prematurely forced on, I voted against Cromwell, and 1 voted against Clyde. But the Council had to meet somewhere and I had to give a casting vote. I did so. I gave it in favor of the place which was most convenient to the majority of councillors, and I may be obtuse, but do you know that upon reflection 1 almost think 1 was in the right. 1 thmk also, Mr Editor, that in your account of the matter you have displayed powers of imagination far excelling any to avhich the author of 1 Wild W ill Enderby’ can lay claim, I cheerfully surrender the belt. Take it, Mr Editor-take it, wear it, and be happy.— Yours, &c., Vincent Pvke. Dunedin, February 15.