A REPLY.

Auckland Star, Volume XXX, Issue 293, 11 December 1899, Page 2

A REPLY.

(To the Editor.)

Sir,—lt is necessary to reply to Mr J. E.. Taylor's letter that appeared in your issue of December sth. In my letter of December Ist there was no misstatement of or perversion of facts. I can at anytime prove the facts I stated by witnesses and records of the Board1 (vide my advertisement in to to-day's issue. Mr Taylor's excuse is that he defended the local authorities to maintain the liberal principle of rule by the majority. I say that principle is right in the hands of the people, but not in the hands of property owners -with the plural vote, as they rule Irv the interest of property and not in the interest of the people. If Mr Taylor had a clear political vision he -would see the difference, besides no majority is justified in depriving a minority of its rights, and no true Liberal would be a party to it. • ■ I do not see what shell roads have to do with the question of Liberalism. I admit along with other ratepayers that I did not consider these roaas economical, as such roads are not durable, and at a meeting of ratepayers Mr "W. F. Massey suggested that money be borrowed to metal all the roads. I think the suggestion was approved of. I will not refer to other matter in Mr Taylor's letter, as it is also foreign to the question. He apparently thinks I have feeling- against him, but it is not so. 1 simply exercise my right as a citizen in a legitimate manner to prevent any one obtaining a public position that in my opinion I consider is not the proper person -for the office.—l am, etc., A. ARCHIBALD. Victoria Avenue, Mt. Eden, - December 11th, 1899.