Roxburgh-Heriot Railway. TO THE EDITOR.

Otago Witness, Issue 2467, 26 June 1901, Page 19

Roxburgh-Heriot Railway. TO THE EDITOR.

Sir, — In your issue of the 13th inst. there, appears a letter on the above subject, sismed " One of the Roxburgh-Heriot Railway League." This correspondent, coming after the lapse of nearly two weeks, so grossly misrepresents my letter of the 4th inst. that I beg space for a short reply. I wish your correspondent to clearly understand that when I stated in my former letter that "' the public, who are interested in this railway, only recently became aware of »ne fact that the line had been authorised to Edievale," I included the Roxburgh public and Roxburgh Railway League. Your correspondent denies that the public and Railway League at Roxburgh were kept in the dark — that they knew all along that the line ha-d been authorised to EdieVale. I now challenge your correspondent to nrove his statement. If he is what he professes to bs, this will be an easy matter. With regard to blocking the line at Barclay's Junction, this is such an insane idea that it is scarcely worthy of notice; but the gullibility of the masses is wonderful. There is not, however, in the petitions one single reference to this, nor will any portion of my letter of the 4th inst. bear suol" a construction, except to the small coterie to which your correspondent belongs. They have certainly run this " bogey " for all ifc is worth, but the veneer is too thin. Yes, I am aware that a deputation went to Wellington on this railway question, and that a portion of this deputation advocated a railway to Edievale, thence tunnel through Spencer's Hill via Moa Flat to Roxburgh. I caii enlighten your correspondent on a few more points in this connection, as I have followed up the question from a much earlisr date than three or four years ago. Next this correspondent lift 3 the cudgol on behalf of our member, Mr Jama 3 BennJt. This is decidedly good : it reminds one of the corner business I've heard of this cudgel before, I think. The tim 6 for sentimentalism of this kind has gone by : it is hard facts we have to deal with. Our member is. I think, very competent to look after himself. I will be found ready to stand by all the statements in my former letter. I wow ask this correspondent to stick to the truth and facts, ami cease his mud- throwing, as it discloses a lamentable lack of argument. — I am, etc., | June 15. Coxstaxt Readeb