IRVINE, B.A., V. RAILWAY ENGINEER.

Southland Times, Volume III, Issue 221, 26 February 1866, Page 3

IRVINE, 8.A., V. RAILWAY ENGINEER.

(TO THS EDITOR OF THE SOUTHIiAM) TIMES.) Sib, — I have read the strictures of Mr. Irvine, B. A. upon the Railway Engineer and his reports, and while I admit the right of everyone to expose wrong doing where it exists, I think in the case of Mr. Marchant, there has been a wilful perverboo. of facts for no other purpose than to advance the interests of the writer. Indeed it is stated that Mr. Irvine, B. A., is quite ferocious on the subject of a government appointment, and is not particularly scrupulous as to the means by which he obtains it. He evidently is a peculiar adapt in the use of his pen when out of employment, or when seeking to get an engagement, which I think will be clearly seen before I have finished. I should not be surprised to hear, some fine morning, that Mr. Irvine, B. A., had taken the Railway Engineer's ofiice by storm, or that he might elect to aim at the appointment of Chief Commissioner of Lands. Indeed looking at his office seeking instincts in this light, I would recommend Mr. Pearson to be very cautious in going home at night, as Mr. Irvine, 8.A., might rush from some obscure hole, and seek to realise the story of " Old Man of the Sea," by putting" his legs round the Commissioner's neck and adhering tenaciously until he ! •was satisfied that his engineering skill ' and general ability was rewarded with " something snug," in the shape of an appointment. But now, Sir, to show Mr. Irvine, B. A., in his true colors, and explain many "little things " which he may think are buried in oblivion. Whilst the railway works were in progress, Mr. Daviea was induced, I believe by Mr. Marchant, to give Mr. Irvine a trial as Engineer. About the time Mr. Heale intended to resign, Mr. Irvine asked Mr. Davies to write a letter to the Superintendent (Dr. Menzies) in his favor, which that gentleman, being naturally good natured, accordingly did. The letter was handed to Mr. Irvine, 8.A., but that high-minded individual was not satisfied with it, and with that modesty which is peculiarly his own, expressed a conviction that * J it was not strong enough," and amiably suggested that he "should write the heads of the letter, and it could afterwards be copied, as if it came direct from Mr. Davies." This was accordingly done ; but evidently the Government were not impressed with the same high idea of the engineering skill, &c, of Mr Irvine, 8.A., as that talented gentleman had formed of himself, and the appointment was not given to Mr. Irvine, B.A. ' It was not my intention to have taken any part in the Irvine v. Marchant discussion, but the former having alluded to a certain letter received from Mr. Davies, I feel it right to make public what 1 know respecting that document. I shall conclude by sending a verbatim ad literatim copy of the letter which this patriotic and modest censor wrote himself, and obtained Mr. Davies's signature to it, and leave the public to decide the value of such a testimonial so obtained. It is :— Sib, — Mr. Irvine has intimated to me, pending the resignation of Mr. Heale, hi 3 intention of applying for the Chief Suveyorship of this Province. Mr. Irrine has, nntil the late stoppnge, been emplojed by me as Surveyor and Superintending Engineer of the works in progress, both on the Bluff Harbour and Great Northern lines. With reference to the performance of his various duties, &c. — &c. — &c. — &c. — &c. — &c. — I can say, &c. — &c. — &c. — Ac. — gave satisfaction, &c. — &c. — &c. — &c. — &c. — &c. — and that I consider him to be, &c. — &e — &.c. — &c. — &c. — &c. — as a Civil Engineer anl Surveyor, &c. — of large professional attainments, and perfectly capable of undertaking and &c. — &c. — successfully carrying out any worK of primary or co lati-ral importance, embraced by or connected with the profession, &c. — &c. — &c. — and that the Province would, &c. — &c. — &c ■ — by his being appointed to the Head of the Survey Department. I ha^e the honor, &c. I think it is needless to say more : even the least acquainted with engineering will estimate aright the probity of motive, the patriotic boldness, and the self-sacrificing perseverance of our " local hero." Tours truly, &c, ANTI-DODGIiE. Invercargill, 21st Feb. 1866. ♦