Mr. Claudet’s Challenge.

Northland Age, Volume VIII, Issue 25, 9 February 1912, Page 5

Mr. Claudet’s Challenge.

TO THE EDITOK. Sir, —The Victorian delegates to the Drainage Association Meeting were given a hob reoeption. Abuse of themselves and the ratepayers whom the delegates represented was the order of the day. Such dishonouring epithets as “ mean,” “ miserable ” and "shilling” ratepayers were frequent; epithets suoh as "nar-row-minded,” "dull” and "wanting intelligence” were often applied to the ratepayers of the upper watershed for wanting the area amended. The Drainage Association have refused to alter the area to meet the wishes of Viofcoria and district, so ratepayers must battle for themselves, the unfriondly reoeption received and the unkind language used showing that the ratepayers have no friend in the Association.

During the disoussion Mr. Claudet challenged the writer to appear with him at the various parts of the area affected, viz., the watershed eastward of Kaitaia, to debate whether that area should be part of the drainage area. It was pointed out “ that newspaper controversy would be more profitable and reach a wider oircle of ratepayers ; would the Association depute one of its members to open the controversy on their side ?” They deolined. Will Mr. Claudet as the ohallenger do* so now ? Or will he, failing that, arrange meetings among the ratepayers eastwards ©f the Kaitaia faotory, and at his wish I will discuss the question from the other side as he desired. If Mr. Claudet’s case is a good one he has nothing to fear, in faofcmuoh to gain, by publicity. However, personalities must be scrupulously avoided.—l am, •to., 0. FISHER.