PISTOLS AND COFFEE.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXII, Issue 5024, 1 May 1877, Page 2

PISTOLS AND COFFEE.

TO THE EDITOR ON THE NEW ZEALAND TIMES. Sin, —In the event, “which seems not unlikely.” of war between Greytown and Carterton, do you think it likely our ancient friend would receive the support of a detachment from any of the iuen-of-war who might happen to be in your harbor ? If so, I should advise their only bringing mortars, the supply of powder, cabbages, and potatoes is unlimited inGreytown. I should fancy a broadside of the latter irresistible. The paragraphs published in our local paper re railway, are getting i-eally disgusting, unless to a few interested in cabbages and potatoes. It would, I think, be more to the purpose were they to prove the unsounduess of “ Scribendum’s” statements—which I doubt their ability to do—than such articles as that regarding the Carterton gobbler and other locals. I think the old adage, those who live in glass houses, &c,, very applicable in this matter, as the Greytown settlers were certainly the first to commence throwing the stones. It has been said, written, and published times innumerable, that Rochfort’sroute consists of creeks, watercourses, and swampsThe latter I defy the Standard or any resident in Greytown to prove, as to my certain knowledge there is not a foot of swamp between Featherston and Taratahi on that route. This I can confidently assert, as I have a thorough knowledge of the whole route so far. Now, if such statements are published with regard to the Rochfort route. I think the Greytown

people cannot complain of the truth being published regarding this route by * Scribendum. Anyone at all acquainted with Greytown and its vicinity know that his letter really explains the true position in which Greytown stands with regard to its enemy the Waiohiue. And who that has lived there for the last ten or twelve years, and has seen the main road a sheet of water from the Rising Sun Hotel at the south end, to the Black Bridge, a distance. I should say, of three miles—unless_ for really selfish purposes—would agitate laying a railway anywhere near there. The Standard ur"es that by going Rochfort s line the railway cannot pay, and that it is the duty of everyone to urge its being carried by Greytown, otherwise we shall have to be taxed for interest on outlay. Now, I very much doubt whether the Lower Valley settlers would not prefer the Rochfort route to what can only be looked on as a line that would be continually under repair ; and the Upper Valley, I am quite certain, do not wish to run the risk of their traffic with Wellington being stopped at any or all seasons for the sake of a few interested people in Greytown. Trusting the Standard will not throw all their cabbages away until they have a fling at the above, and that I have not trespassed too much on your valuable space, I am, &c., Umpire. Feathers ton, April 26.