OPEN COLUMN.

Lyell Times and Central Buller Gazette, Volume VI, Issue 273, 15 May 1886, Page 2

OPEN COLUMN.

We are at all times ready to give expression to every shade oj opinion, and the discussion of all matters of public interest, but in no case do we hold ourselves responsible, for the sentiments of vur correspondents.

ROAD TO OWEN REEFS. [to the editor of the lyell times.] Sir, —As I understand that your columns are always open to the discussion of topics of public interest I am constrained to trouble you with a few lines in answer to a number of statements contained in a letter published in your issue of May Bth, and .sigued " Vox Populi." He states that the distance from the mouth of the Owen River to its junction with Maggie's Creek is six miles and a-half, and that the length of the new track, via the saddle, is only four miles. If the gentleman would only use his eyes he would discover that by the branded pegs on the latter route the distance is four and a-half miles, and I have the assurance of a person who has taken the trouble to measure the river track that the distance is nearly the same. The track was never surveyed or measured previously, so I cannot imagine where or how "Vox Populi" arrived at his conclusions. With regard to the one and a-half miles of rock cutting, mentioned by " Vox Populi," I should very much like him to point out where it exists, as I am at a loss to know where to find it. He must mean two and a-half chains, which is nearer the mark. He then goes on to tell us that metal can be discovered by means of a bar. No doubt, but I am afraid that in some places on the Maggie's Creek route it would take all the men at present engaged on the reefs to carry a bar long enough to sound the bottom. According to survey the river is crossed four times above Baigent's station and at these points the stream is rock-bound and gorgy, and the immense heaps of large trees, which have accumulated, bear evidence of terrific floods. Lower down the river is not so bound up, but opens out into long fords and broad flats, which could be crossed when the stream is impassable higher up. The river track is being greatly improved, and in about a week from hence two crossings will be avoided and the distance materially lessened. I cannot see the utility of the road over the saddle, which means a rise of over 400 feet, according to survey, when a level road can be got which has the advantage of any quantity of road making material along its entire course. The whole cause of this diversion of opinion lies in a nutshel, and may be attributed to nothing else but private spleen, and well " Vox Populi" knows this. For many years the present track was used by the very persons who are now mainly instrumental in opposing it, although the saddle track was as well known then as now.

To make a long story short, a ring has been formed with the avowed intention ot leading the traffic higher lip the main road for the benefit of a few interested persons, and the public purse will have to pay the piper. In conclusion, I see the writer in question recommends a previous correspondent, " Owen Miner," to put his pen on the shelf and stick to his pick and shovel. From the brilliant manner in which " VoxPopuli" handles his subject, it is a pity that he should hide his light under a bushel and bury himself in the wild regions of the Owen Reef's. I am sure he would be a great acquisition to the literary world, and I would strongly advise him to continue writing to the papers, and stick to the pen, even if he can procure no other than a Maori hen feather, or a goose quill. I am, &c., Audi Alteram Partem.

LYELL TIMES NELSON COBRES PON DENT.

[TO THE EDITOR OF THE LYELL TIMES] . Sir, —I have read, in your issue of the Ist instant, a letter from your Nelson Correspondent, who writes under the nom de plume of " Korari," and observe that he devotes quite two-thirds of his communication of current events in denouueing some verses written by me on the wreck of the Taiaroa. In his anxiety to pose as a critic, and say hard things about my work, he has not only forgotten to be just, but has overstepped the bounds

of fair criticism, by designedly omitting to mention that, as an introduction to the lines in question, I wrote : " I leave the following verses to speak for themselves, trusting that the melancholy interest of the subject may atone for any shortcomings." One naturally does not look for courtesy at the hands of an individual who lias so frequently proved himself an adept in vituperative and malicious writing, and who aliases himself by prostituting what little ability he possesses in making use of your columns to vent his spleen, and heaps abuse on an oldestablished and widely - appreciated journal, the proprietors of which have done me the honor to accept niv contributions. " Korari " conveniently forgets that in the past he was only too gratified to be known as a correspondent of the very paper he now professes to despise, and this fact serves but to make his sneering remarks the more distinctly contemptible.

Thanking you for making space for this letter. —I am, &c.,

VoYAGEUR.

Nelson, sth May, 1886.