PUBLIC OPINION.

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 1, Issue 23, 14 August 1912, Page 2

PUBLIC OPINION.

Home Separation v. Creamery

To the Fditor,

Sir,—Messrs Spragg and Pacey, at the meeting of settlers held at Brookby on Saturday last, 10th inst., in a speech lasting nearly two hours, made certain charges and insinuations against the Waikato Co-op. Dairy Co. which I had the honor to represent, and whose interests I was there to watch. Mr Spragg was evidently much annoyed at my presenco and wish mo to withdraw, and it was only by the expressed wish of the settlers that I was allowed to remain. Again, Mr Spragg wished to prevent my replying, and it was again only by the wish and courtesy of the settlers that I was allowed a brief time to reply to their misstatements. Mr Pacey had the courtesy to ask mo to correct him and on doing so Mr Spragg (as selfelected chairman) ruled me down. Mr Spragg accused mo of being afraid to face the music because I wished to reply to a question of Mr Pacey's when I spoke in defence, in toto. I asked Mr Spragg three direct questions. To one he gave no answer. To the second he replied, " I am not here to be catechised," and to the third he refused point blank to give a reply, but again (as self-elected chairman) ruled me down.

In reply to the charge of being afraid to face the music I hereby wish to say that I am willing to ineiet Messrs Sprags? and Pacey on the public platform at auy representative meeting of farmers where both our respective companies are operating—say Bombay—l will answer direct any question that they or any settler may ask mo, providing Mr Spragg will do the same, and not give evasive replies and say : "I am not here to bo catechised."

Failing Mr Spragg's acceptance of this challenge I shall leave it to the intellect of the farmers generally to say who is afraid to face the music. I will also arrange for a reporter to be present and report the meeting faithfully for the benefit of the farming community.—l am, etc., Advt. L. FROST.