Correspondence.

Thames Star, Volume XVI, Issue 5033, 28 February 1885, Page 3

Correspondence.

These column* tn open to all con\ spondence of public interest, but we do not hold ourselves responsible for. th« opinionsal write»s. Correspondence must in ah cases be authenticated by the real name and address ' <rf the writer—not necessary for publication, but aa a guarantee of gotd faith? ' ■ , -.

(To the Editor of the Evbhiho Stab.) | Bib,—No doubt, you remember myself j and family living upon Block 27. We lived on the Block from the year '67 to 77, inclusive. The Block was always pointed out to the early miners as a camplos ground, and before it was surveyed we all held our lots under miners' rights and a residence site certificate. Very few certificates were issued, for what reason I don't remember.-, I think the first landlord who claimed rents was a Mr Hanaford (not Hannaford the marrying naoh When we found out the way we bad -been let in for paying rents, we formed ourselves into a Grievance Committee, and paid for legal advice from Mr Dod and Mr Macdonald. The result was we had to.pay our rents under protest, and I expect they bare been paid under protest ever since. At that time a Mr Haekay.ujjti our first Warden and Magistrate. Otr first camping ground was near the Karaka Creek. One day Mr Mackay came round, and says he, " Now boys*' you'll have to shift jpur tents. The flat is all going to be surveyed into building lots, but you can occupy any of the land from the base of the hills as far back at you like to go," At that time there was no Block 27. The long standing grievance of Block 27 originated, through the forbearance of the first occupiers and the neglect of Mr O'Neill, our first Parliament member. Dear Sir, although some 200 miles of space now rolls between us and Block 27, my feelings often go back to the long ago; when the only traveller between what is now Shortiand and Taratu was good-tempered, openbearted Dan Tookey. As he passed our t«nts, we used to chaff him about his horse. It wasn't an Arab; nor yet a Barb, and although.Dan rode, he a|so ? worked hit passsge on thathorse. I" don t know whether Dan is in the flesh or not, but at that time he was next to Mackay, the bit gun of the field.—l am, Ac, i«eo, February 25tb, 1885,