Telegram from Mr Sheehan.

Thames Star, Volume XI, Issue 3710, 15 November 1880, Page 2

Telegram from Mr Sheehan.

Wellington, This day.

11.5 a.m.

To the Editor of the Evening- Stab,

I observe by telegram in Saturday's papers here that a meeting is about to be held to discuss the question of the Patetere block. The general question of Government purchase as against free trade in native lands is, of course, an open bill, and may be discussed at any time and under any circumstances. As the meeting in question is said to be called for the express purpose of discussing the Patetere business only, it may be that the parties moving in the matter may associate with the Patetere question other questions affecting either my political position or my connection pro* fessionally with that block. I do not know, however, that such is intended to be the case, and yet in self-defence I trust that the spirit of fair play which has always characterised the Thames people of all sides of opinion will not permit me to be placed upon my trial, and condemned unheard. When I addressed my constituents a few months ago, I entered into the whole question of Patetere, and when I next address them, which I hope to be able to do shortly after my return from Wellington, I shall be prepared again to discuss the question, and invite discussion by any person present at my meeting, lours truly, John Sheehan.