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Western Star, Issue 373, 18 August 1880, Page 2

Our contemporary the “News” had an excellent opportunity on Saturday of pursuing* the line of policy with regard to the Longwood reefs, which it professes to consider best in the interests of all concerned. A few weeks ago some rather startling statements were communicated to the “News” and “ Times ” by their Riverton correspondents. A gentleman thoroughly con ersant with the various workings took exception to the statements furnished bv these correspondents, and forwarded, to the “ News ” a letter contradicting, in terms not too strong, the intelligence furnished. Instead of adopting the nsualancl equitable course of publishing this letter, it proceeds in an article on Saturday last to give reasons for not doing so. Had our contemporary fo 1 lowed’ the advice of an eminent legal mind, never if possible to give reasons for certain conclusions, its decision would perhaps not have been called in question. In order to give our reader's a specimen of the insipid logic with which the unfortunate residentsof Invercargill and its suburbs are deluged, we reprint the article in question: — We received some clays - since, ftom a Riveiton resident, a letter impugning the accuracy of certain statements that had appeared in the News from the pen of its Riverton correspondent. The writer, who evidently possessed is practical knowledge of the subject, and intimate acquaintance with the locality, pointed out in detail misstatements which he, in a private note, explained that it was necessary to refute in the interests of the district. A line or two may be quoted: —“ I feel sure yon will see the motive that net nates me. The Longwood has got such a blow from the disappointment at Printz’s that unless care is taken not to lead the public to expect so much and sec so little, I fear it will be a great injury to (he field and all concerned.” Oar first impulse was to give insertion to the letter, bjut, on second thoughts, it seemed to us that, the statements made were of such an un<rnard»d character as to render this course inadvisable. We had no reason to doubt the good faith of.nir Riverton corresponrlentj.and it seemed unjust to expose him to unmerite I odium for having simply’ chmo his duty by forwarding to us information gat Ik - rod from what he supposed to he reliable sources. If a newspaper correspondent had to stoke his reputation upon tbs absolute accuracy of the news he collected, be would have to devote his whole tim« to .the business, and llu-ii find himself unable to overtake (he work. But we none the Ess value highly the motive (hat actuated the writer of the letter in question, ant, while unwilling to open up I lie past, shall be glad to accept bis offer of i eeasional information, authenticated by his mime. 1m another form the infornation contnino 1 in his letter would be of public interest, and in wrier that he may recast it, the manuscript has been returned to him.

The letter a' ove (he signature of “ C. A. Port,” which the “ News” refused toinseit, will be found in our coirespondencr column. Our readers will ' be able to ju Ige for themselves, as to ; the unfair and inconsistent course adopted bj the conductor of the “.News” 1 in this matter. But a few davs ago it strongly condemned the spirit of “ inflation,” which it said existed in certain quarters in connection with the Longwood teefs. Here, in the shape of the letter referred to was a “ frightful example,” which properly handled, would have strengthened the weak argument then attempted to be proven. Our contemporary, however, condemned conduct in others of which he' himself had br en guilty, and lacked the manliness to counteract the evil effects thereof by giving “ both sides of the question.” While he admits that the writer of the letter in question evidently possesses a practical knowledge of the subject, and intimate acquaintance with the locality,” it gave as a reason for not publishing the letter,that the “ unguarded statements ” which it contained rendered such a course inadvisable. It would be interesting to know the process by which our contemporary arrived at the conclusion that the statements referred to were unguarded } to our benighted vision the only one guilty of “ unguarded statements ” is our contemporary in charactcrisingas“unguarded” statements regarding the correctness or other-wise of which it was not in a position to pronounce a verdict. The doctrine that a correspondent having forwarded “information gathered from what he supposed to be reliable sources,” should not be contradicted if be furnishes information greatly at variance with facts, is one to which we do not subscribe. There is no reason why a correspondent should not be subject to the same healthy check agaiuat “ unguarded statements ” as the regular staff of a newspaper, viz, that anyone knowing information furnished by such to be false should be given an opportunity of contradicting the statements. Tina mode of eliciting correct information upon any subject is frequently useful, and when adopted in good faith, is quite legitimate. “ By indirections find out directions,” —although savouring somewhat of the Jesuitical doctrine that a small sin is excusable that a great good may result —are the wards put into the mouth of Laertes, and even at the risk of a surgical operation wo advise our con-, temporary to inwardly digest them.

Commissioners 5 favourable report, and the subsequent intimation by the Government that they intended to carry out the recommendations of the Commissioners with respoct to this line, the sudden change of their proposals, as-may bo inferred by the member for Wallace’s remarks, is inexplicable. It is needless to say Unit great ?nxi«ty, is felt throughout the district regarding the immediate fate of this line, and a strong feeling of indignation is hold in check only until more definite particulars come to hand. Messrs M'Leod and party have struck a reef, varying in thickness from 12 to 18 inches in their ground adjoining the John Bull claim. The direction of the reef is parallel to that on Printz’s lino, and the stone carries a fair prospect of gold. '

Judging from the follow ing snarl, the late member for Wallace and reputed editor of the “ Southland News,” has not yet recovered from the effects of his defeat at the last election: —“From our Parliamentarv report, it. will be seen that, the M.TI.R. for Wallace ‘ regretted that the Government had not provided for the prosecution of the Orepuki railway,’ ‘ spoke strongly,’ &e. Wtiat is the use of this sort of thing P cannot the honorable gentleman do more than regret and speak P As far as can be gathered from Hansard, he, like Mr Bain, does precious little of either.” It would be interesting to know the value of the former member’s services to the district.

The programme of the entertainment, which takes place to-morrow evening, in aid of T. Pratt, who recently met with an accident, is published in another column. It will be observed that the “ bill ” is a very attractive ,one, and should command a goal house.

The monthly Government inspection of the Riverton Rifles takes place on Friday. The annual meeting of the Aparimn Road Board takes place in the. Council Chambers at noon to-day. s

The following clauses are taken from the Rabbit Nuisance Bill:—If any occupier of land, after receiving from the'Trustees notice to destroy the rabbits upon his property, fails or refuses to take efficient steps to destroy such rabbits, hie shall he liable to a penalty of not less than one pound, nor more Iban twenty pounds for each seven days that be shall so neglect or refuse to destroy swell rabbits.—Should any County Council be of opinion that (he trustees of any rabbit district within the limits of sue 1 ' Minty are no taking the necessary steps to secure the destruction of rabbits within such district, such County Council shall have all the rights and powers conferred upon the Trustees of rabbit districts.—All Inspectors of Sheep shall bo Inspectors of Rabbits, and as snch, shall have power to enter upon all properties with a view to ascertaining whether or not rabbits exist thereon. And in cases where the County Council do not take the action herein provided within fourteen days of the reception of their report, themselves to enforce the penalties of this Act.” Mr J. M'GHllivrny, recommended by a strong believer in pbosphorizc 1 oats as a cure for the rabbit nuisance, laid a quantity cf it about his farm on Monday last, and has already had two sheep poisoned, while a number of others are looking vary sickly. Tin’s, to a small farmer, is a ''considerable loss, and certainly does not boar out the prevailing opinion that the ; sheep will not touch the poison. ", .