CORRESPONDENCE.

Hokitika Guardian, 24 October 1917, Page 1

CORRESPONDENCE.

THE LIME AREAS QUESTION

(To the Editor). g;, r> Your readers will, no doubt, he fully conversant with what transpilod at the last meeting of the Westland Land Board with regard to tho question of dealing with lime-stone areas in this district. It will have been observed that Mr. Bernard Ward contradicted an assertion made hv me in a previous letter to your paper, to the effect that he was a provisional director of the company, which applied for one of the areas mentioned. At the time of writing my communication) T was quite satisfied that I was nob making wliat Mr. Ward terms “a lalse statement, hut when he was so very emphatic in doming that he was a director, T thought it possible that a mistake had been made. Had Mr. Ward’s explanation savoured oi more candour he would have announced that he had been a director, hut for the reason that my Association lodged a protest as he was acting in the dual capacity previously complained of he had sent in his resignation. Will Mr. Ward deny that he made a statement publicly to the effect that he knew too much for the Westland A. and P. Association and was not going to ho caught napping—Ails of course subsequent to the protest being forwarded to the Land Board. Had Mr. Word severed liis connection with the Company prior to the Association s objection, his action would have been appreciated; but as it i s he has not, in my opinion, covered himself with glory, and it is just as well to lot the public know that lie is not the injured person ho pretends to he as it was not until at ten Lion had been drawn to the untenable position lie was in, that he merely did that which he should have done. It has occurred to me that your re-

ft lias occurred to mo tluft your readers will conclude from your report of tho proceedings at the last meeting of the Land Board that Mi. Ward was never a. provisional director of the Company, and in justice 1 thought it .necessary to state the fact’s relating to' the matter. 15y the way Mr. Ward might have given an interesting resume of his visit to the limestone area at Ross. Tie was accompanied by. the 'Commissioner of Crown Lands for Westland. For instance, some acknowledgement of the right'royal welcome extended to thorn hy those immediately concerned in the application for the Company’s area would have interested the public immensely. It is possible that the giant of the application was promised to the promoters »f the Company before the visitors started on their homeward

journey. I.omitted to mention that Mr. Ward at ibe meeting of the Board on Wednes day stated that, the Association's* objection would he thrown out. Now did ho know? lit conclusion l would like to ask Mr. Ward whether lie-had severed his connection with the Company prior to his visit to his own sake 1 hope he had. T am etc., L. H. MOREL President W. A. &■ P. Association. Koiterangi, Oct. 20th. 1917.