CORRESPONDENCE.

Mataura Ensign, Issue 1144, 3 February 1903, Page 2

CORRESPONDENCE.

OTAMA BRIDGE. TO THE EDITOR. Sir, —In your issue of 27th January I see " Ratepayer " has been trying to get his fertile brain into working order, and in so doing gets out of his course and drifts among the quadrupeds to find material ior the composition of his would-be witty remarks. Then he says I try to be witty, sarcastic, and wise—but not just; and he has always heard I was a just man. Whether he means that as a complaint or a compliment he does not say, but if he means a complaint he must not complain at having to take a small dose of his own medicine. He says I give no arguments or reasons, etc. He forgets I told hiin in my last that the Otama farmers were only asking for what they were entitled to. That alone is sufficient reason. As to the saving of freehold properties 'being the cause of the agitation, I throw the statement back to him as having no foundation. It is just a small mistake he has made in his excitement. Passing on, he tolls us other, portions of the Knapdale road district have bravely come forward with monetary assistance' to build bridges. He does not say under what circumstances they came forward whether voluntary or oompulsory. He just forgets that part; overlooked it. No doubt he will correct it in his next. Then he asks why the Otama farmers don't do likewise and subscribe £5 apiece, as it would be the more manly-way. That being his idea he has a perfect right to it, but tbe Otama farmers might have a different one, and are consequently entitled to the same right. As to the manliness of the idea, it does not coincide very well with the signature. However, he is in sympathy with his own suggestion, and offers £5 provided the farmers subscribe a like sum. Well, Mr Editor, in case his £5 should be required, I hope it will be in coin, as unknown paper, like unknown correspondents, is not very desirable. No doubt " Ratepayer " will correct his little mistakes in his next, as one's mistakes look best corrected by themselves.—l am etc., Gavin Dickson. Otama, Feb. 2,1903.