Mil CHRISTIE MURRAY.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 9337, 30 January 1892, Page 3

Mil CHRISTIE MURRAY.

TO THE EDITOIi.

Sii!, —Since, some two or three months ago, Lord Jersey set rolling the ball of hostile criticism anent Mr Christie Murray and his writings, it seems to have become the fashion for all and sundry to pass it on with an accelerated kick ; hut "fair play is a jewel," and we should remember that the figures referring to tliedrink traffic, in Australia Were taken from their own records, compiled as they were by Mr Hayter, of Victoria, whom all recognise as a competent authority. If they are inaccurate, let the blame rest on him and not on Mr Murray. Again, considering the disclosures which mail after mail have brought Us of the state of things in Melbourne, is it fair to stigmatise Mr M. as a " returned romancer,'' because ho speaks of "laxity in commercial morality"? Ordinary men Would rather take it as a proof of Mr Murray's sagacity. .Those acquainted with Mr Murray know \vhat a keen relish he has for a joke, but I ventiiro to say that he will not be in a hurry to give us again one of his humorously exaggerated and palpable "yarns" like that of {n-ofanity by the square mile again. Are not the strictures of his critics " pure cussedness " themselves ?

That Mr Murray has a sincere admiration and appreciation of the Australasian colonies there can be no doubt, and especially is he in love with New Zealand. This is well known to his friends in this city (and he has a few), but it would appear that there are some who lose no opportunity of having a gird at him in his absence. By-and-bye, I have no doubt, Mr Murray will have something to say to them. Lot us wait a little longer.—l am, &c, Dunedin, January 26. B.