RAGLAN DEFENCES.

Daily Southern Cross, Volume XXIII, Issue 3037, 20 April 1867, Page 5

RAGLAN DEFENCES.

To tht Editor of the Daily Boumx»n C*ou. Sir,— ln your issue of the 13th inst. appears a letttr • signed " Saxon," relative to a letter signed by twentysix Kaglan settlers, contradicting certain statements made by your "own correspondent." I agree with " Saxon" that a great many letters have appeared in the papers about fiaglan which are calculated to do much harm to this place, inasmuch as they would no doubt hinder intending settlers from coming to thl» district. I believe we are in no danger of an attack from the Maoris, and indeed, should they visit ut, we are able to give them a warm reception. But tht letter signed by twenty-six Kaglan settlers is of quit© a different nature. It was written simply to contra* diet some untruthful reports made bj yonr " own corre»pondent," which reports, I believe, are equally damaging to this place. With this impression, I (and several others) signed that letter, and not from interested motives. " Saxon" is kind enough to remark it is not signed by the " sober-minded and intelligent" inhabitants of Raglan. I presume " Saxon " thinks he belongs to this clta«i. If writing a letter in every way uncourteous towards the Raglan tradesmen, and likewise ridiculing a letter upholdiog the cause of truth, constitutes one of this class, then indeed may he be said to do so. In conclusion let me remind your " own correspondent " that if, in future, he confines himself to the truth, he need have no fear of being again attacked by those twenty-six "able-bodied and valiant men " of Raglan ; but so sure as he again departs from the truth, those twentysix men will again "ruthlessly attack" him, through the medium of the DAILY SoUTHJSRIT CROSS.— I am, &c, Nmto. Kaglan, April 15, 1867.

To the Editor of the Wjouclt Nitts. Sir, — I was much amused to seeinyourpaper of the 6th * letter signed by twenty-six Baglan settlers complaining of " our own correspondent." I believe that, after the soldiers left, rifles were given out to all persons who were without them, and it is upon this fact that your correspondent grounded his statement that every man in Baglan is supposed to possess a rifle. But, sir, these twenty-six residents do not possess tbe virtue your correspondent gave them credit for : their cry isfor soldiers, and the good contracts they hold. They are no admirers of Mr. Weld's grand principle of self-reliance, which is said to be the distinguishing characteristic of the AngloSaxon race. I have no doubt the promoter of this attack upon your correspondent is prompted by spite, for a friend of his has taken particular care of a portion of the high road, and carefully fenced it in by throwing two gates across, hinderingthe traffic, and causing inconvenience to travellers : your correspondent proclaimed the nuisance in your paper, and in retaliation he has thought to deprive him of ever again making known the abuses in this place. Theie great advocates for truth state that there are only about twenty unorganised men in the township, in the face of which the letter is signed by twenty-six, and I know of others in the town whose names do not appear. I see the name of the gentleman who holds the contract for the bread, his next door neighbour who held the contract for tea and sugar, three publicans who sold pots of beer to the floldien, two barmen— one and all interested in trying to get back the soldiers. Well may Kaglan say, "Save utfrom our friends."— l have, &c, W. M. N. Raglan, April 11, 1867.