THE HAVELOCK TOWNSHIP QUESTION.

Tuapeka Times, Volume II, Issue 64, 1 May 1869, Page 3

THE HAVELOCK TOWNSHIP QUESTION.

(To the Editor of the Tuapeka Times.)

Sib, — There ia an old saying, that those who live iv glass houses should not throw stones. That advice appears to have been discarded by the writer of the letter in your last issue, signing himself "Miner," he accuses me of lying, in stating that a counter petition was at Mr. Oudaille's for signature, and that this counter petition asks that a piece of the reserve be sold, which in reality is the tonor of the raid petition (to suit one or two individuals) was my own opinion, and I fancied I had placed those six words in parenthesis, I suppose I am to blame for not having done so. As regards the former petition, it was signed by more than 154 persons, but only 15-1 signed x it in one day, and " Miner" may see a copy of signatures by calling on me. As for the counter petition only having 13 signatures, that I can vouch for, as I counted them myself. I enquired how long the petition had been lying there and was told all the week. And as regards the new lead I spoke about previously, it is separate and distinct from the old workings, and is as I described it, likewise for four and half days work, Luscombe and mate earned £4s Bs. per man, since that for seven days work they have earned £6 3s. 6d. per man, which you must own is riot far short of £1 per day ; they say they could? easily earn £1 per day only

their ground is so difficult to keep up, and they lose bo much time timbering. Luscombe wished me to state thct " Miner " could see tlie gold receipts at his hut any time. I mvaelf am working next olaim to them and know the time they work. Now as regard p fche public meeting, " Miner " caller] fche meeting himself for eight- o'clock, the mooting waited until half-past eight, and no Mr. " Miner " making his appearance, the meeting elected your humble servant to the chair, and while enquiring about the tenor of the resolutions that had been sent down' to Dunedin, and for which this meeting was called to hear the reply, " Miuer" came in and seemed astounded to find the business proceeding without him, he handed in the reply, which was that Mr. Hughes would attend in person with authority, to withdraw any payable auriferous lands from the proposed township. The meeting then nominated a --deputation to wait on Mr. Hughes, M.P.C., and "Miner" proposed a gentleman, but could set no seconder, therefore his proposition lapsed. " Miner " was rerj much en-rK-rcd at this, and on being asked by the chairman for a copy of the resolutions sent to town, ""Miner" stated he had no copy, and likewise Baid he could not remember the tenor of them. '"Miner" left the room, and during the election of deputation, rushed in flourishing papers, crying here's a copy of resolutions, but Mr. chairman you shall not have them for your impertinence. The chairman quietly asked him how it happened that he could not find a copy when ho (" Miner ") had previously stated to the meeting he had not made a copy. " Oh! because I have iust written them out," quoth " Miner." It appear*, Mr. Editor, that the lino pointed out \ by " Miner," is a line on which his i house stands ; hut the objection of the ' miners to selling a narrow strip through the reserve, is not because it is auriferous only, but because if one or two are allowed to purchase the hand their places are on, it would be unjust to refuse others the same privilege, and on those grounds alone ! they object to any being sold at all. I beg most emphatically to contradict " Minor's " statement as to the chairman uttering the words " that any person who did not agree with the rest would be shut up or compelled to clear out." As regards the meeting being packed, he might have been trying to pack them previously, I could not say as it was the first time I had attended a public meeting on th"& flat, but most of them afterwards told me that " Miner " was a man they could not rely on. And one in particular stated to me in confidence, that " Miner " had tW ear of government, and had askogpihis party to give him a cow to milk, the flat should then be just as the owner of the cow liked, he (" Miner ") would see it all right. One of the honajlde miners 'sr^Kgned the counter petition, is a lad driving a spring cart. Self-reign predominant was never more fully exemplified than in " Miner's" own person, and that I can prove in more ways than one should he desire it. — I am &c, Majob,

"Waitahuna, April 27.