Correspondence.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume II, Issue 39, 16 February 1867, Page 3

Correspondence.

MR. CURTIS'S SPEECH. To the Editor op the 'Evening Mail.' Sir, — In reading Mr. Curtis' speech in last nights Mail, I was rather amused at the clever manner iu which he endeavors to throw dust in the people's eyes, and make them believe that two and two does not make four. After trying to find some hole in Mr. Blackett's coat, but fail.bg this, he finishes up by saying "after all the research he had been able to mak?, he was forced to conclude, aod thought the meeting would agree with him that Mr. Blackett had left no record of any kind." But Mr. Curtis forgot this fact and I think he does not need to search much to find. Hoav did Mr. Blackett manage our gold-fields? Surely that act of his administrative abilities is well recorded. I think also Mr. Curtis is troubled with a very bad memory, or perhaps it suits his purpose just now and particularly as Mr. Saunders is not here to answer for himself as regards Mr. Saunders opposition for supplying the town of Nelson with pure water. I can only point to one fact which took place in the Council, June 10, 1862. "Mr. Burn moved, that his honor the Superintendent le requested to place on the estimates the sum of £500 to be paid as a bonus to the first person or company, who shall furnish a good and abundant supply of water to the central part of the city of Nelson, and at the Government Wharf: and that the bonus be paid when the principle of this resolution is carried out to the satisfaction of his Honor the Superintendent and Executive Council." Debate ensued, question put, Council divided. Ayes. Noes. Mr. Saunders Mr. Dodson „ Kingdon „ Pollock „ Kerr „ Baigent „ Lewthwaite „ Simmonds „ Burn „ Parker Provincial Secretary „ Goodman Provincial Solicitor „ Sixtus „ E. Kelling „ M'Rae „ Butler „ C. Kelling „ Curtis Dr. Monro. This, Mr. Editor, does not look as^ if Mr. Saunders was opposed to supplying the town with water ; but it is quite clear that Mr. Curtis was opposed, with all his boasting of how zealous be was to benefit NelsoD, though he will explain this fact away also, I suppose. One more fact and I have done at this time. Mr Curtis would endeavor by his speech the other night, to make us believe that he was an advocate for the benefitting of the industrious classes, and that Mr Saunders and the Government were the oppressors of the industrial and working classes. sir, it is a well known fact, tbat industry is very heavily taxed : let a poor man improve his property, in any way, aud he is taxed for improvements. I find that on "May 29, 1862, Mr. Saunders tried to do away with this hardship, by moving the following resolution : — " That, in the opinion of this Council, a bill should be introduced to amend the existing Country Roads Act, so as to exclude buildings, fences, drains, and other artificial and industrial improvements from any tax for the construction and repair of roads. Debate ensued, question put, Council divided. Ayes, 10. Sloes, 10. Provincial Solicitor Dr. Monro Mi-. Burn Mr. Curtis „ Butler „ C Kelling „ Sixtus „ Kingdon „ Goodman „ Lewthwaite „ Saunders „ Mcßae * „ Parker „ F. Kelling „ M'Mahon „ Kerr „ Simmonds „ Baigent „ Dodson „ Pollock. The F pcaker gave his vote with the Noes. Motion lost. These little facts speak for themselves, and need no comment from me ; and I only hope, Mr. Editor, that the electors of this province will do as they have done before, not be gulled by fine speeches and fair promises, but elect a man who is honest, upright, and conscientious. I am , &c, A Lover of Truth.