INDIGNATION MEETING AT ROTORUA

Waikato Times, Volume XXXIV, Issue 2790, 31 May 1890, Page 2

INDIGNATION MEETING AT ROTORUA

# TO THIS EDITOU. Sin,—lt would appear that Mr Taylor convened the above meeting to get the residents to sympathise with him in an illegal act. Under the circumstances I think Sir Taylor should have let sleeping dogs lie, as under the conditions of lease all minerals are Crown property, and this lot in question was specially set aside on account of its known mineral value; but there came about changes in the Land Office, and the circumstance was overlooked. New officers filled the place of old ones, and so Mr Taylor, in an unguarded moment, obtained a valuable mineral property. Mr Taylor pointed out very clearly the amount of benefit it was to the place in the way of cheaper cartage, as drays got loads each way, but that also applies to Mr Taylor's benefit, as the carriage of goods up enables him to get his sulphur carted at a nominal figure. I think it would have lieeu better for Mr Taylor to have laid before the meeting the proofs of Mr Seddon's sins, so that the public may judge. But about that same sulphur, What becomes of the curative properties of the Priests' Bath if the sulphur immediately above it is ren:oved? Mr Taylor's resolution, which advises newspaper proprietors not to insert letters from Mr Seddon until they have learnt the truth, would bo too roundabout a way for

newspapers to get news, and should untruths be published about anyone, ample redress can be obtained. I see the natives have moved in the Supreme Court re leases of Rotorua, so I hope the circumstances regarding the lot in question will be enquired into. I should not have writton but for the apparent wish in the resolution to put a gag or restraint on the press. A free press is a country's safeguard before which knaves and tyrants tremble.— 1 am, &c., SUI.I'IIUH PoiXT.