MR M. W. GREEN IN EXPLANATION.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 6736, 17 September 1883, Page 4

MR M. W. GREEN IN EXPLANATION.

TO THE EDITOR.

Sib,—The identity of " One Who was Present" with tho gentleman who began the misrepresentation of what I said respecting Mr Macandrew is so evident that I do not think it necessary to correct his^tatement made.in your issue of to-day. In regard to your own. sub-leader, and your suggestion that the " imr proper passagess" will have been omitted from the " Hansard" report of my speech, I may relieve you upon that point by saying tbat I have seen no " proof-sheets" of the speech, and that, therefore, the " Hansard" report will be just as it came from the reporters. I shall then expect you to substantiate your charge, or honourably withdraw it.

Whik) writing, you will perhaps permit me to j say that I was not in the House on September 2; that my speech on the Harbour Board Bill ended at 10 30 p.m. on Saturday, September 1; and tbat I neither took part in, nor was I present at, the Sunday morning scene. As you appear to have great confidence in the correctness of your telegraphic reports, and quote some words said to have been used by the member for Riverton in reference to myself, I may state that your summary of what he said is very inaccurate, and that it is very evident you do not understand tho humorous character of that gentleman.—l am, &c, M. W. Glffiis. September 15. I.Mr Green is undeniable. Before writing we assured ourselves of the correctness of our special correspondent's report from an indisputably impartial source, and even if Mr Green's' version should be confirmed by "Hansard," it has probably occurred to him that the "Hansard" reporters frequently soften down and knock into shape the language used by hon. members in the heat of debate. We willingly allow Mr Green the benefit of his 90 minutes, and are glad to see that he dates his lettor on September 15. We don't know whether he has ever.read anything so light as the story of the triangular duel in " Midshipman Easy," but might we suggest that it tvould do much to settle the disputes aa to the conduct of the Dunedin city members on that memorable night, as well as edify tbe public, if Mr Green were to give us his views upon the conduct of Messrs Fish and Bracken, Mr Bracken his upon that of Messrs Green and Fish, and Mr Fish his upon that of Messrs Braekon and Green.—Ed. O. D. T.]