NORMANBY RAILWAY SITE.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXIV, Issue 5736, 18 August 1879, Page 3

NORMANBY RAILWAY SITE.

TO THE EDITOK OP THE NEW ZEALAND TIMES. Sib, —Will you kindly allow me space in your valuable paper to say a few words in reply to a letter that appeared in your issue of the sth instant, signed “Chas. E. Gibson, for Normanby settlers,” and which has been copied into a local print. I should not have ventured to ask this favor had your correspondent confined himself to the limits of “ south,” and had not assumed the unwarranted audacity to write for “Normanby settlers.” Your correspondent says ; “ Both Mr. Maoandrew, Mr. Sheehan, Major Atkinson, and Mr. Blackett, and every other disinterested person admit the superiority of the site now decided upon.” Sir, the reverse of all this is the truth, for, as yet no other than the original site is decided upon. Mr. Macandrew, when here, declined to inspect the new site, saying “he considered the station should not cross the creek.” Mr. Blackett, the able engineer that recommended “ the original site ” to the Government, also objected to the new site, pointing out the creek as an engineering difficulty too near the station. Mr. Charles Quinn, and others who heard the objections of both gentlemen, will substantiate this. Mr. Sheehan was perhaps charmed with the “ conciliatory idea ” pressed upon him so secretly by Major Atkinson ; but I will venture to say that how the gallant major regrets his quiet action, and that before many days elapse he will have deep cause to do so. ; Sir, the whole matter resolves itself into one question. The present Government having accepted “the original site” in the name of Queen Victoria, and having permitted the deed of conveyance to be read at the public auction of the surrounding sections by the auctioneer, thereby bringing high prices, the question is, can any Government so grossly outrage their own lawful acts, and their own honor, and thereby deceive and impoverish those who have placed faith and confidence iu them, as to attempt to change the original site of the railway station. Sir, for myself I refuse to believe that any Government would be guilty of such dishonest and dishonorable conduct. The sneers about land speculators are unworthy of notice ; nevertheless it is a fact that some of these “ speculators” are residing on their lands, and others are awaiting the fulfilment of the Government pledges. The monstrous assumption of writing in the name of “ Normanby settlers” is unparalleled, except by the well known tale of the “Tooleystreet Tailors.”

Sir, this little coterie numbers nine all told. The new settlers are at least ten times that number, as any candidate for the electorate will shortly have an opportunity of discovering. '

Again asking you in justice to this large body of settlers to give this reply a place in your columus, —I am, Ac.,

Charles Allen. Normanby, August 12,1879.