ISLAND BLOCK.

Tuapeka Times, Volume II, Issue 91, 6 November 1869, Page 3

ISLAND BLOCK.

(To the Editor of the Tuapeka Times!) Sir,—Observing a letter in a lateissue, signed " Horse Shoe Band," suggesting that a subscription bs raised to reimburse Mr. Nicholson the expenses incurred by him iii getting the boring rods from town, induces lie to ask, before such a course is adopted, why such subscription should be raised ? The writer of the letter in question evidently knows, very little about the real merits of the case, for, if he did, T should think ha would have hesitated to make such a suggestion. The question which ought to suggest itself to every right thinking man is, is. he eutitled to such assistanca ? I for one have no hesitation in saying he is not \. and my reasons for arriving at this conclusion are as follows :—lf the party referred to was really anxious to benefit the miners by having the Block prospered, why did he allow the boxing apparatus to remain idle for about six months after the Government had entrusted it to him 1 There can be v.ery little do v tbt that his; exertions have been directed with, an object in view, and I fear that object was not the benefitting of the miner or the. small farmer. It will take a very short time, I predict, to clear up the point a& to who will benefit by the boring rods; being procured. I fearlessly assert that the procuring of those rods stopped the granting of some twenty or thirty agricultural leases to intending bonafi'le settlers who had applied for the ground, and the last week's papers show clearly who the parties are that have applied for the purchase of all the Block. The Block will make a nice little estatefor some of our wealthy squatters. I do< not doubt the very patriotic and disinterested gentleman referred to by yonrcorrespondent is entitled to some acknowledgement of a substantial character forhis services, but not at the hands of the: miner or intending settler. Let those who reap the benefit pay for disinterested services rendered to them.—l am &c.,- - OITB AcKIBXF.VED.