OPEN COLUMN.

Lyell Times and Central Buller Gazette, Volume VI, Issue 282, 17 July 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 o our correspondents.

REPLY TO "KORARI." [to the editor of TflE lyell times.] Sir, —Your correspondent '• Koran " has thought proper to send you some correspondence respecting the undersigned, the statements therin being incorrect. The tacts in connexion with the paragraph in your issue of July 3rd are such as might have drawn forth commendation from an impartial person, and should have done so from him had he studied your interest. 13rieily: these tenders were called for by the Government for the bridge referred to, and at various offices, notably Christchurch, Wellington, and Nelson. Attested copies of the specifications were exhibited, in which it is most distinctly stated that birch timber would only be allowed for the piles and floor; "all other timber shall be of totara or kauri." The latter woods cost at the bridge site about 10s per superficial 100 feet more than the birch. Cn the morning of the day when the tenders were put in it was stated that some of the tenderers would put in for birch, and in comerpienee the writer saw the District Engineer and asked whether any departure from the specifications had been authorised ; when lie received for reply 'that the timber specified would be required and no departure allowed ; and the Nelson tenders were put in strictly according to specifications. It now appears by the conn-actors own admission that he tendered for birch instead of totara for a large portion of the work; and was thereby obtaining a considerable advantage over others in being able to put in a lower price ; and that the Government accepted his tender with the timber so scheduled. The complaint of " Colonial" and others is that, if this is true, they have been very unfairly dealt with, as an opportunity should have been afforded them of fairly competing for tho job, by public announcement, that they bad so determined to alter the specifications. As this was not done there is fair ground for eomplaint. Now, 4i Colonial's " first letter fairly stated the foregoing, and no reference was made to the successful (or unsuccessful it may turn out to be) tenderer, although he has laid himself open to a charge of doing a mean and dishonourable thing, and ought to be scouted by all who tender fairly. The truth of his rumor will soon be manifest as the timber is put in the bridge. It may be said that the Government always reserve the power to vary or even delay the construction of the work; to that I say very proper too. But the Government may not in justice vary a specification in an ex parte manner before the acceptance of tenders, without giving due notice to all concerned. And this is the whole rrist of my complaint as regards the Government.

But I have now a bone to pick with your " Koravi," aud with your permission I will line by line prove him a dangerous man. He says my grievance is " fancied." The foregoing explanation will answer that. He says " my talents were not appreciated by the Government," and " I was dismissed." To that I say that the Government sent for me, and I took charge of the Nelson Public Works Department for a stated period; that my stay was twice prolonged by the Government; that it was from the first temporary. I did not give up my business ; that I faithfully carried out my duties; that I received highly complimentary letter from the Executive ; that I received a handsome bonus over and above my salary; that I now very frequently design, carry out, or overlook public works of importance. He says I am aggressive ; a worm it is said will turn when trodden on, and I trust I shall always fearlessly resent a wrong, but to attack others or to seek to obtain special advantages over others is as fir irom me as a desire to speak or do a kind action

is fiora your correspondent ."Korari." He next charges me with " button-holing and dinning ears with the incompetency of the PAY.D., and my own virtues and genius." To this I say I have too much to do to allow time for the former, and no inclination for it; it is not my intention to try for the hell in that direction, which " Korari" securely holds. Again, with regard to the Public Works Department, " Korari" and his mates have some sinister motives in making that unfounded assertion. It savors muchly of soft soap to the P. W. D., who I am quite sure would rather have a lair criticism on any shortcoming they may fall into. Finally, " Korari" says I sometimes catch a Tartar, and have now caught two, three he meant. Will he allow me to suggest the possibility of his having caught an Englishman. As the Oliver deserves a Holland, let me remind " Korari " of an article he wrote under the heading of " Day Dreams," where he endeavoured to run to earth the contractor, Mr Gorrie, who was carrying out some work at the Gorge claim, Wakamarina ; and at the same time, with his usual audacity, showed the directors (that is in <k Koran's " " Day Dreams " way of showing things) that he was the man to bring the gold to the light of day, and here his skill in button-holing did him service among the shareholders. The result was that the directors, dazzled with his blaze of genius, arranged with the great engineering luminary, and furnished him with a thousand or so. " Korari" mentioned it to almost every man, woman and boy he met. He started pulsometors, and of many kinds were brought into requisition. But the tune changed, at first to long metre, and afterwards to very short metre ; in fine the money was spent, the gold was not got, and the Company presented the engineer, " Korari," with a very plastic medal, which may be seen any day holding together the fractured ends of a square of glass, on which is engraved : "J. W., C.E., own correspondent in Nelson to the Lyell Times." — i am, &c., Colonial.