MR POSTLETHWAITE AND THE GERALDINE RACECOURSE.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 2721, 8 December 1881, Page 2

MR POSTLETHWAITE AND THE GERALDINE RACECOURSE.

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[To the Editor.]

Sir, —I am informed by one present at Mr Wakefield’s meeting, held yesterday in Geraldine, that he made a statement regarding the vesting of the racecourse reserve, taking all the credit to himself for getting the reserve vested.

In justice to myself, I think that the following correspondence should appear in public print. I think no comment is required from me, as the telegrams speak for themselves, and show who really removed the opposition Mr Wakefield anticipated from the Hon. Win. Rolleston, which opposition he alluded to in his speech made in Geraldine before going to Wellington lust session. In writing to Mr Wakefield I forwarded him a copy of the telegrams, and pointed out to him that Mr Rolleston’s opposition was removed, and that all he (Mr Wakefield) would have to do would be to introduce a Bill for vesting the land in the Race Committee or Trustees. — I am, &c. W. POSTLETIIWAITE. Geraldine, Dec. 8, 1881. [copies.] Wellington, June 21st, 1881. To Vfm. Postlethwaitc, Geraldine. “ Timam Herald,” June 19; Geraldine correspondent says you state 1 promised to bring in Bill to vest Racecourse at Orari. Was this so .’ It is not my recollection.—Reply free. Wji. Rolleston-

Gerakline, June 22nd, 1881. To Hon. Wm. Eollcston. Sorry you forget conversation re Orari Racecourse. It occurred whilst driving to Orari Station. I named the subject on my return to Mrs Rostlethwaite, who distinctly remembers it. Perhaps I ought not to have named the subject, as it was only verbal. Seeing the Race Committee at a loss, I casually named the subject to McKenzie, and he must have mentioned it at their meeting. WM; POSTLETHWAITB.

Wellington, June 22nd, 1881. To Wm. Postlethwaitc, Geraldine. I did not forget conversation, but my recollection of it was that I told you on hearing your opinion that I thought should not press my own view ; but I do not recollect saying that I would myself introduce a Bill, and this is inconsistent with my official letter;’ on the subject. I had no idea that what fell from me would be taken as an official statement, especially as I certainly expressed great disappointment that the wishes of the district were different from my own view of what was advisable in interest of settlement. If you consider it wms a promise, and acted on the faith of it, I shall not disappoint you. Wm. Rolleston,

Geraldine, June 22nd, 1881, Hon. Wm. Rollestou, Wellington. If 1 misunderstood you I regret it. Have seen McKenzie, who tells me Wakefield has promised to introduce Bill, This will relieve you and still accomplish the object. Wm, Postlethwaite.