THE ACCLIMATIZATION VOTE.

Lyttelton Times, Volume XXX, Issue 2482, 16 December 1868, Page 3

THE ACCLIMATIZATION VOTE.

10 TUE EDITOR OP THE LTTTELTON TIMES. Sir,—Trusting to your usual courtesy, I have penned the following remarks in explanation of the statement made in the Provincial Council, from which the public would naturally infer that the sum of £SOOO had been received by the Society during the last five years; such however is not the case. The total amount actually received from the Government by the Society amounts to £IOOO, out of which sum £3OO was remitted -to the Tasmanian Salmon Commissioners about four years ago. The erroneous impression of the large sums received by the society haß no doubt originated from the fact of the votes under acclimatization and improvements in Domain being for some years joined together, the latter Board skilfully l. manosuvering to appropriate the money, t.. to the Society a few stray crumbs *'\p'— a proceeding from which originated a great '■ deal of unpleasantness. The contingent vote of £IOO on the introduction of salmon is, however, a substantial and gratifying proof that the majority of our legislators have great faith in the continued ability of the Society to accomplish much with trivial means. Your obedient servant, A. M. JOHNSON, Curator. LOSS OF THE CREST. 10 THE EDITOR OF THE LTTTELTON TIMES. Sir,—l-should esteem it a great favour by your allowing thefollowing to be inserted in your widely circulated paper. .In the first place, I must he permitted to say that I by no means considered the enquiry into the above unfortunate accident fairly conducted. The magistrates would not allow me to ask a single question, and Fairweather could indulge to the fullest extent by sending strips of paper up to the Bench. 1 would like to ask Cunningham what we launched the dingy for, and the reaßon he did not get into her when I told him? If he could not have got in had he chosen to have done so? if he thought I was to stop and he drowned, to let him go three times into the cabin to pack up his things ? Whether he ever saw a dingy 12 feet long, that would carry 15 .cwt at sea, with safety, as he stated at-Akiroa±T.Where zs&t:. the sea coming from that was breaking over the vessel'* mast head, if it was as smooth as " this counter," when I got through the breakers. Why did he not toll nie to stop outside the breakers? That he preferred swimming to the boat,

ratll «. tn an get into her when lie had the opportunity! I would ask any reasonable seafaring man if one man could take,a boat from a vessel if the others chose to prevent him, or if one man could make three men come with him if they did not wish to do so ? No. My opinion is that the two men were paralyzed with fear, and Cunuingham was too busy packing up his blankets and clothes, and I could not stop any longer in my perilous position. Why did not Cunningham state in his evidence in Akaroa all the different stories he lias been circulating throughout the country ? I suppose he did not like when on his oath.

Cunningham stated in evidence at Akaroa that it was impossible for me to remain alongside any longer than I did, but by swimming he could have reached the boat; —new these twa men were on the vessel wiien he was picked up by the boat. Why did they not get them off when there was three of them in the boat, if they thought I could have done so by myself, and with only three thoie pins in my dingy. I think, had the enquiry been held at first when I asked the Government officials to hold o«e, that so many statements would not have been spread so detrimental to my character, and especially painful to my feelings. lam willing to meet Cunningham at any place chosen, and to prove that he has not adhered to the truth in the whole affair. I think it would have looked as well if Mr Fairweather had published the letter he received from a gentleman in Akaroa, who was on the spot himself a short time after the vessel went ashore. I beg to hand you a copy of a letter to publish received by me from G. Armstrong, Esq., relative ti the sad accident. Apologising for so intruding upon your valuable space, I remain, Your obedient servant, JOHN BARKER. (Copy.) Mr John Barker—

Dear Sir,—ln answer to your note of this day's date, respecting that unfortunate affair, the loss of the Crest and the lives of two of those on board, it is very annoying to be accused of having deserted your fellow-men iu the hour of distress; and auy persons writing statements to the newspapers on that subject now can have no beneficial result, especially coming from a person who has not bee» on the spot himself, and does not know the real facts of the case. From what I know by being on the spot myself, and from careful enquiry of what took place before I reached there, I am of opinioß that at a time of great peril and imminent danger, " self-preservation," being the flrßt law of nature, you were quite justified in what you did j indeed, from all I can gather it goes to prove that had you not escaped at the moment you did, it is more than likely no one would have been left to tell the tale—indeed, want of decision at a moment of danger, I fear, is the cause of the loss of the two lives that have gone, I don't think any person can accuse you of not being most expeditious in giving every information that led to boats being sent to the spot, and the men rescued had it been possible. I have written a detailed statement of the facts of the case to Messrs Belcher and Fairweather, of Kaiapoi, and gave them permission to use it as they thought fit. I give you permission to do the same with this. My own opinion is, that you are in no way to blame, and it is a great pity the others did not follow your prompt action. Your's faithfully, (Signed) George Armstrong.