REPLY TO MR. DAVIDSON.

Taranaki Herald, Volume XXXI, Issue 4465, 6 October 1883, Page 2

REPLY TO MR. DAVIDSON.

TO THE EDITOR. Sir,— lf lam not trespassing too much on your good nature, I would be glad if you would allow me a few lines in reply to Mr. Davidson. I never stated that his resolution was accepted as a reply, I merely said that the Council had shown discourtesy in not acknowledging the Club's application for a a lease, unless they intended the resolution as an answer. Whethei the resolution was passed before or after the application was read matters not a straw, for I have no doubt Mr. Davidson knew perfectly well it was there ; but mark his inconsistency. He says in his letter that " he had no desire to oppose a long lease to the Jockey Club;" yet when the subject comes on for discussion, he maintains a judicious silence. When I had the honor to contest a seat in the Borough Council with Mr. Davidson, die question was pat to him in the presence of Mr. Standish, another witness, and myself — Are you in favour of the Reserve being kept for recreation purposes ? " Certainly, yes !" Yet when the Government propose to insert the necessary clauses for that purpose, he most strenuously opposes the proposal. His is certainly a most convenient policy — it can accommodate all parties, and is so easily trimmed to suit the popular current. To-day he will state publicly that it is against his principles to allow men who have been three or four hours under water a glass of grog ; and to-morrow, you know, " I'm not a teetotaller." There is too much of this running with the hare and hunting with the hounds; let him nail up his colors in true British style, and stick to them, for depend upon it his shuffling policy is just about played out. — I am, &c, Jas. Paul.