MR. BARNES IN REPLY.

Evening Star, Issue 4007, 29 December 1875, Page 3

MR. BARNES IN REPLY.

To the Editor. Sir, —Would you allow me a few lines in your paper, as it is seldom I trouble you with a reply to any letter concerning myself; but, I think it is due to mo to make answer to Citizen’s ” remarks in your issue of the 27th inst. I wish to inform him that since I was a householder—and long before, both in England and Otago—l have talon great interest in politics and in elections where the workingmen’s interest and freedom are in danger of being taken from them without their having a voice in the matter. I considered this was being attempted by the Abolition Bill being hurriedly passed through the House without the voice of the people being first had in reference to it, I considered further it to be my duty to take an active part, which I don’t deny doing, both in Dunedin, Caversham, and Roslyn, and it gives me great pleasure to show that we have gained our poin -. at the three places. I wish to inform “Citizen” that to gain that result X have been working hard till twelve and cno o’clock -it night ever since the Maca- drew Banquet, but have not neg'ected one tour of my engagement with the Corporation. Had this been an e action tor mayor or councillor for the City, my ignoranoi would not have excused me for taking an active part in it, as I know it is against the civic rules to do so ; but being a General Government Election I think every man in the Province has a right to use his franchise and all the power he can to put in whom he considers the right men for the public good, I have done this and no more, I wish to inform “ Citizen ” when the franchise is taken from me then I will cease to bo any officer under any ruling power whatever. I think that “Citizen” must be a coward in Solitics or he would sign his own name. Now, Ir Editor, I hope you will excuse mo for encroaching so far on your space.—l am, &c. Johk Barnes, _ Inspector of Works. Dunedin, December 28.