THE ISLAND BLOCK QUESTION.

Tuapeka Times, Volume II, Issue 63, 24 April 1869, Page 3

THE ISLAND BLOCK QUESTION.

(To the Editor of the Tuapeka Times.) Sir, — I am anxious to ask a little information from you, and I hope you will, with your usual kindness, condescend to favour me with a reply. Every one is aware that a certain privilege has descended from ancient date to each and all of us on the first day of April, to endeavour to make fools of one another, but I always thought this privilege was strictly confined to the Ist of April. Our accommodating and considerate Executive appears desirous to extend the privilege to the entire month of April', and have accordingly set a great example to the public in connection with the Island Block in this district. On the 7th April about twenty individuals were thoroughly fooled by attending at the Court here to have their applications heard, and were coolly informed that their applications could not be considered, owing to some mysterious cause, which was not explained. This dose, the Government appear to think, was not strong enough, and accordingly posted notices, desiring parties to again appear on the 16th inst., to have their applications heard, who were then startled at being again fooled, by the Warden telling them that he dare not recommend their applications should be granted, and declined to _ refuse them altogether. So this strange affair seems to become more and more entangled every time the Government interfere in it. They appear either terribly afraid of the squatters, or particularly anxious to see to what extent they can fool the miners and others in this district. — I am, &c, An Applicant. i Teviot, April 20, 1869.