THE HAVELOCK TOWNSHIP QUESTION.

Tuapeka Times, Volume II, Issue 66, 15 May 1869, Page 3

THE HAVELOCK TOWNSHIP QUESTION.

(To the Editor of the Tuapeka Times.)

Sir,t-I see in last week's issue another letter from the person calling himself "Miner" (in which he states, for the information of Major, the question at issile, as Major does not understand it): Verily I am obliged to him, I'm sure ; but his statements, like his former ones, would be very good if .they were only true. Tie says " Major," with his deputation, has consented to strike a line on the south-east side; over one-third of the flat, &c. New- then j Mi. rt Miner/ 1 say the deputation consented to nothing of the kind, for they endeavoured to get the whole bf the flat reserved, whibh Mr. Hughes, M.P.0., representing Government, would not listen to. Mr. Hughes went out a certain 'dist'ah'c'e towaftls the south-east spurs, and away from the river, and asked the deputation if that much would satisfy them, as the Government were determined to sell some. The deputation were npt satisfied, but wanted the reserve to. hiri nearly close to the spurs. Mr. Hughes would not budge ; so the matter rested until a meeting was called to hear the result of the interview. That meeting expressed their dissatisfaction at not having their wishes complied with ; so the matter rests at present. So you see Mr. "Miner's" statements, like his former ones, are without foundation. lam happy to see that the counter petition is being made public, through the medium of the " Times," as otherwise it would onlyJiave been a hole-and-corner affair. In respect to the former petition, it was decided at a public meeting, 2f tet being discussed, that a petition should be sent round for signatures, not like the counter petition, got up without the knowledge of the pti'.lic ; nor was the former petition left in one place for such persons as miners to sign as hona fide miners or settlers. lam sorry to find my memory so bad that I cannot remember "Miner" being proposed as one of the deputation, neither can I find a single person who can remember it. In what refined language, Mr. Editor, does '.' Miner " give his ideas respecting the mental state of " Major." Addison for eleganceis completely cast in the shade. I certainly once before heard of a lunatic escaping from his keepers, and meeting a aane man, knocked him down, declaring at the same time that the sane man was mad. Perhaps it occurs more than once in a lifetime. A proof is to be found in. the lucid manner in which " Miner " explains why he cannot be relied on. He says it is because he- has been taken in too many times to be again deceived ; in sooth, a veritable man of the world, who knows all its filthy ways and dark corners ; who cannot rely on any one ; ergo, none can rely on Mm. And again notice, the man who has exposed to the public gaze the unwarrantable assurance of " Miner," and who has dared to tell the truth., is a. man, in the opinion o£ "Miner," who would deny lik own country, — no doubt an unpardonable offence with those of "Miner's" stamp. I certainly must admire the adroitness of " Miner " (after accusing your correspondent of untruth in his first letter) for the manner in which he wheels clear of all explanations, after his assertions being flung back to his teeth. You see, " Miner" again suggests for sale the main road line across the flat, where his own house stands, confirming my own opinion that ia Jiim we should find that No. 1 was no cypher. If "Miner" got his section, and gold should .be found on it, I wonder what he wouid, charge ins bona fide miner for permission to mine thereon. Biit, sir, I do not think the Government will cut up in sections any, piect> of land to suit those such as Miner" speaks about ; for, it is my opinion; were such a course adopted, it Would only be the means of creating an unnecessary jealousy amongst the inhabitants here. — I am, &c:; Majob:

Waitahuna, May, 18, 1869;