WEST COAST LEAGUE.

Opunake Times, Volume V, Issue 221, 16 October 1896, Page 3

WEST COAST LEAGUE.

(to the editok.)

Sib,—l am sorry my control • f the English language is so limit J as to bave ltd you to believe that iu my letter last week I was attempting to justify myself. Nothing was further from my intention in writing. I hoped to show you that ink-slinging without a definite object is useless work. However wrong, wicked and rotten you prove me, will not advance the cause of the League one iota. I can afford to pass over your statement of the appreciation of my writings with the knowledge that the value thereof is as great as the truth of your statement re " fenciug." One portion of your first leader I must ask you to reprint —•« With regard to fencing between Native and European land, the Act passed last session providing for this was in print evpn before the League was formed. Ever since Mr McGuire has been in the House he has persistently fought for both these measures, and last session before any money was subscribed to send delegates to Wellington we were favored by him with a' draft copy of the Fencing Act to be introduced, showing a new clause on behalf of native lessees, moved by him." This statement—yon will, perhaps, excuse my saying—is an absolute and downright fabrication without a tittle of truth, as the following dates will show :—July 20th—Meeting in New Plymouth to form League ; petition drawn up and subscriptions gathered; delegates appointed, who left for Wellington on 11th August; August 7th —The Joint Agricultural, Pastoral and Live Stock Committee reported on " Fencing," and the Bill was ordered to be drawn up in accordance therewith in the ordinary course; August 27th—The Bill, in charge of Hon. Mr J. McKenzie, was introduced into the House and discussed in the lobbies; August 28th— The Act was read and passed through Committee without amendment of importance. A prominent and responsible citizen of Opunake has seen the Bill with the dates imprinted thereon. So much for " inaccuracies." I made no such staten ent as you print re " Public Trustee," I said, and I say again, we were assured in the office by the acting officer, that an officer would yisit our district and would enquire into bur affairs with a view to grant our requirements. Mr Martin hassince, confirmed this statement at our request. With regard to your queries, I only intend to say that at the instance of a very forge number of leaseholders I convened meetings, drew up a petition (with your help), which was signed, and subscriptions made with a view to its being presented at Wellington. I was appointed in due course as Chairman of the League, and I shall continue to hold office until my successor is appointed. That two or three leaseholders in Opunake, even though backed up by the whole force of the " Thunderer," can no more influence the whole body of leaseholders than a spoon with a hole in it can empty the.sea. I can assure the leaseholders that no stone which can be stirred in their interests is neglected, and that I have still every confidence that before the end of the year we shall be in a fair way to get our desires gratified. By the bye, I may as well say that much of the money was subscribed on the distinct understanding that I should go to Wellington in the interests of the League myself. For the sake of the League I shall take no further notice of your articles.—l am, &c, James J. Elwin.