MR KIRKWOOD IN REPLY.

Waikato Times, Volume XXIII, Issue 1916, 16 October 1884, Page 3

MR KIRKWOOD IN REPLY.

TO THE EDITOR. Siu, — In a Comment published in your issue of to-day, the writer evidently attempts to be mildly facetious at my expense ; besides which lie accuses me of want of consideration, selfishness, and,,by implication, impertinence. To these chaiges I would reply seiiatim. I was nofc ' ' inconsiderate " in my remarks, as the subject is one to which I have paid much attention. As to the selfishness, The number of boat owners is sm.ill, v> hils the number of those who enjoy the sight ot the water-fowl comprises I believe, the majority of the populace ; and, moreover, my amendment, "That the question be It? it to a full meeting of tho boaid," shows my deshe to test public opinion on the subject. As to the question of impertinence, I think I may pass that with a tn quoque. The head gear of your informant must have been sadly out of order when he so misconstrued borne of my remarks. His joke about my web-footed tendencies is very funny. I said I preferred to see web-footed fowl on the lake, rather then any cockle-shell of a boat, with larrikins in her, who cast lines to poach for ducks, and I still maintain that I prefer the web footed fowl to the splay-footed lanikin. I am glad that you do me justice to report me as saying that I did not blame the owners of the boats, but those who used them without the owners' permission. Again a man was nearly dt owned the other day, through using one of these cockle-shells, and if cultivation of muscle is needed, why not use the river ? I said nothing about making a toil of a pleasure, but if wo want to rear up a stalwart race of colonists, we must teach our youth to pull ag.iiu&t the stream sometimes, instead of idly drifting down it, or being content to dawdle about on the placid waters of a lake. — I am, &c, R. Kirkwood. Cambridge, Oct. 14th 18S4.