A REPLY.

Tuapeka Times, Volume III, Issue 171, 18 May 1871, Page 5

A REPLY.

(To the Editor.) « Sir,- Having read an article signed " Truth and Fairplay," in your columns some time ago, as regards the prospectors of M'intyre's run, I must apologise for not correcting some of the false statements made use of sooner ; but I could not do so, as I was away some time in Dunedin, and some time having elapsed before T came to know of it. I hope, however, it is not too late. Now as regards the rightful prospectors of M'intyre's run. Mr Gillfuil and [ are those who claim that and one very strong reason For saying^ so is/ that we were the first to produce the prec'ous metal. From the 10th November, to the 21st December, w,e obtained eight ounces of gold, and sold it to Messrs. Stewart and Gow., Tapanui. Immediately after this was known to be true, a rusa took [place. The writer says that Sinclair and Fraspr were the parties who first prospected thVrun. L: admit* tiiey worked

there for some time, but never found anything that would pay wages, and in fact they never said any thing about it ; but if they had found a good prospect they would soon have brought it to light. The etuuse " Truth and Fairplay " rnakis is, that Mr. M'lntyre would not allow them to work, which' is all nonsense ; if thoy had found anything good, Mr M Intvre could not have slopped them working. How is it he could not atop", us ? I would like to know. As regards Gillfoil taking me in to work with him, it is a falsehood. We first met each other on the Waikaka, and we joined as a prospecting party,' and we bent our first steps to Mr M'intyre's run, where we found a good prospect. Gillfoil being an experienced and trustworthy man, we set in together, and our first washing up, as I have said before, was produced in Tapanui. Now, I wouid like to know who "Truth" ■ and Fairplay " is. lam of opinion there . ■ is Borne of the wolf breed in him, and _ clothes himself in a sheepskin when he" " assumes the title of "Truth and Fair-* * play." I think he is a miner, but one of 3 that sort who take moonlight opportunities of doing their work ; or perhaps he is one of those who live by the sweat of miners' brows, and takes the opportunity of giving vent to his spite in your columns for not patronising him. Now, in conclusion, 1 maintain that Michael Gillfoil and I are the prospectors of M'intyre's run, and I am sure Mr M'lntyre will tell you the same. — I am, ♦fee , Thomas Bradley. Tapanui, May 7th.