THE BENGER BURN BLOCK.

Tuapeka Times, Volume III, Issue 151, 29 December 1870, Page 3

THE BENGER BURN BLOCK.

(To the Editor)

Sic, — A paragraph appeared in your issue of the 13th December, stating that Mr. J. F. Kitching desired to apologise for the delay which had occurred owing to stoppage in transit oi' his advertisement (notice of application for Gl<o acres under Hundreds Regulation Act, 1569, Amendment Act, 1870) a polite and simple paragraph, quite refreshing from its extreme innocence in those days of keen dealing and political scheemins;. I would, with your kind permission, ask a question or two respecting this apology. Ist. Is it through your neglect, Mr. Editor, this error" arose ? The paragraph is cunningly contrived, and would at a glance bear this reading ; but I mention the supposition to reject it as untenable after a careful reperusal. 2nd. How did the delay in transit occur ? If through the fault of the post-office, it is a very serious matter for the erring official, as in the event of Mr. Kitching's application being refused through any laches of the kind, he would have good ground for claiming compensation from the Government. 3rd. To "whom does Mr. Kitching apologise? He appears to

fiiuk an apology neot^.-ury ; but it [ju/xlcd mo to guenn it w'.oin it i^ addivL'sod. Perhaps it is som ; of the gaping, awe-struck juslhvs, wuul<l-L> purchasers, w'^o were present afc t ; ic sale of the Islaud Block, but wcw paralysed into silence by the sij^ht of the money bags, that the apology is made ; or -ith. Can the apology be for Mr. Kitching's pardonable neglect (not being a prophet) in not having thought even of sending an advertisement, bearing date ISth November until the appearance of a proclamation, dated 23rd November, cancelling certain leases ?

The purchaser of the Island Block can well afford to " lau^h in his sleeve " at the miserable pusillanimity that permitted him so easily to acquire it, and he will now have additional cause for sorrowful mirth, if the residents in this district allow themselves to be hoodwinked by the very palpable arrangement to which the apolo^y drciws attention.

Personally, I disclaim any animositywhatever to Mr. Kitchin<r, whose efforts on behalf of his employer {whom lie worthily represents) are really admirable, although sometitr.es leading him as in the case of the ludicrous apology to the "British Public," under comment, a lectle too far. — I am, &c, CosMoroiiiTjs, .Tprrn.