Hedgehops Retorts

Southland Times, Issue 13501, 18 July 1896, Page 1 (Supplement)

Hedgehops Retorts

TO THE EDITOR. Sir, —“ Lord Ferngrove” must have felt easier on the chest after he had delivered himself of that last effusion of his about Hedgehope farmers. He thinks we should not be allowed to have any opinions of our own, but must “bow down" before injustice, because it comes from his side of the house. He talks about “ jumping at conclusions surelv he is the very one that is doing so,and had he been at the nr eting he would know that. Whatever has Mr McNab to do with the railway charges made against the Frozen Meat Company ? And fancy talking about the Farmets’ Chib not having any genuine interest in the frozen meat trade ! The farmers would not surely take the trouble to m.et and discuss the question fora long time without an interest in it. 'They undoubtedly have a very great interest, as have all other farmers in Southland, and it is their place to raise their voices amongst the others when they know they are being wronged. The farmers of thisilisirict- areas capable as any in this country to know when they are being “ hoodwinked, and they are not'to be kept back from stating their grievances. “Political approbation” is a very peculiar remark on the part of “ Lord I'erngrove,” and fits admirably the role he is attempting. Perhaps he means Ministerial approbation, and because a great injustice has this approbation does th it make it any the more just? The railway charges, no doubt,have the cordial approbation of “Lord Ferngrove’s” ministry, and the reason of these charges is glaring to any unbiassed mind, that is, to one who will look well into “both sides of the question.” As to his laudation of the Hon. J. C. Ward, we will let that alone ; time will tell its tale, and all the hero-worship of “Lord F. ’ cannot alter it. In conclusion, lam afraid the “ cantankerous verbosity” will continue, so long as extortion continues. —I am, &c., Verax. Hedgehope, July 13th, 1896.