THE LONG BUSH PLOUGHING MATCH AND DINNER.

Southland Times, Issue 1610, 26 July 1872, Page 3

THE LONG BUSH PLOUGHING MATCH AND DINNER.

SIE, — In last week's paper I see your Long Bush correspondent writes in answer to my former letter about the Long Bush ploughing match and dinner. I have sent this in reply. I ■will not attempt to imitate him in abusive jargon, but will confine myself to the matter in dispute. The first that I would notice is where the chield who was taking notes says that the remarks made by the chairman, whpn giving the toast of " the Queen and Royal Family, were received with surprise and indignation, and this loyalty found vent in a burst of enthusiastic cheering, as a protest against the ill-timed intrusion of Buch subjects." The burst of cheering was given in response to the toast. Not one raised bis voice or showed the least symptom of indignation. The next thing I will point out is that at the close of the dinner, Mr Robert Hamilton, in a very complimentary speech, proposed a vote of thanks to the chairman, saying he was sure the company would drink a bumper to mv health for the way I had promoted the harmony of the evening, which •was responded to in a most hearty manner, with three cheers for my wife and family. The chiel who was taking notes did not think fit to record thiß. Your correspondent says he would not degrade hie profession by wallowing in tbe mud. Well, I think he is quite right, and I will not degrade mine by writing such mean insinuations as be has been indulging in lately. Here are the remarks which have caused such a fuss. On rising to propose the toast of the Queen and the Royal Family, I said I was no great admirer of kings and queens in general, but owing to the length of time, and the honorable way that our Queen had filled her exalted position, I had no hesitation in proposing her health. As for lbe Royal Family, I could not cay much about them, as they were untried as yet, adding that the older they grew, the more wisdom may they get. Now, Mr Editor, if this is not too treasonable, I wish you would insert it in your weekly, so that your Long Bush correspondent and others may see tbe cause of this great hubbub. Oblige me this time, and I do not mean to trouble you again, even should he write two epic poems, one on myself, and one on the "chield wha taks notes."— Yours, tc., GEOEGE Dawsok. Fyvie Bush, July 23, 1872. .»