SPECIAL SETTLEMENTS.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume VII, Issue 135, 7 June 1872, Page 2

SPECIAL SETTLEMENTS.

To the Editor of the Nelson EvuNiiea Mail. Sir — The following letter intended to contradict a statement contained in the report of the " Special Settlements Committee" was sent to the Colonist office last evening for insertion in this morning's paper. The insertion of this letter would only have been doing me bare justice, as it might then have been read along with the report it "was intended to contradict, instead of being seen (even if the editor of that paper should see fit to insert it) a week afterwards.

To the Editor of the Colonist, Sir — In the report of the Select Committee on the Central Buller Settlement, published in your paper this morning. I find my name amongst those who have given evidence, " to uae the words of the report, chiefly tending to prove the great value and extent of the land in the Central Bnller." Although the word "chiefly" may perhaps be thought by the writer to make some reservations, it is not so clear but, that I fear yoi/r readers may imagine that I am of opinion that tho Central Buller is the best, field for a special settlement in our Province. As I happen to hold opinions exactly opposite to that view, and in which T am borne out by the expressed opinions of settlers, aud others who know that district, I shall take it as a favor if you will insert this. The evidence I gave to the Committee, which will most likely be printed was in favor of settlements in the upper part of the Aorere and Takaka valleys, in Golden Bay, which offer large and compact blocks of some thousands of acres of valuable bush land, where a moderate extent of road-making would avail for a large number of settlers, and in each instance be within easy distance of a port. ' Your insertion of the above would confer a favor on Yours, &c, Wat. Gibbs, M.P.C.