IS THE WELCOME CLAIM IN THE REEFTON RIDING "I DON'T KNOW."

Inangahua Times, Volume X, Issue 1503, 30 January 1885, Page 2

IS THE WELCOME CLAIM IN THE REEFTON RIDING " I DON'T KNOW."

(To the Editor Isanoahva Times. Sir, — I only Visit Reef f on about mice :i month, Imt I invariably gioan a goodly store '»f news and information quite new to us in the solitude <if bush life, if not at all times very edifying. On Saturday the 24th inst., I strolled into the Courthouse to listen to the evidence foi and against the petition lodged against Him return of Mr Breunan, as County Councillor. It was truly amusing; and to a degree instructive, to listen to the evidence adverse to '.he prayer of said petition, given by several of the votaries of roll stuffing, and mob law. No doubt I missed a good deal that would have given me further insight into the peculiar characteristics of the several witnesses, by being frequently compelled to seek fresh air outside the Court, having been always accustomed to the free use of a pure at mi .sphere. However, I made a desperate eftort to remain in Court during the time our worthy Ooiinty Clerk was in tTio witness box. It was really amusing to watch the innocent cloak put r»u by that conspicuous in<lividual in connection with the defined boundaries of the different Ridings. Of course, there was no map to consult, an that would not uit his purpose for the time being. He, Mr Harold, thought that the Welcome claim at Boatman's might be in the Riding of Reefton, he was not quito sure about Cruahington, but almittttd that Hampden was nut in tho Reefton Riding. I often heard said that our County Clerk was largely endowed with an elastic imagination sufficiently km indeed to meet any emergency, but to bring Hampden into the Reuf'on Riding proved rather too great a stretch even for him. I could scarcely believe my own ears until I enquired of others who weru present during the time this County official gave evidence. But I have very grave doubts indeed as to Mr Harold's ignorance of the various Riding. Ha] the boot been on the other foot perhaps the doubtful boundaries could be accurately described by Mr Harold. I, as well as several others, have seen and perused a map of the County with the different Ridings plainly shown thereon in colored tints. The map was then in possession of my departed friend Carreania. and I do not think the said map was interred with him. Hut in any case it plainly shows how the business of the County has hitherto been conducted. Ju.4t fancy our County Clerk holding that position for eight successive years, yot could not describe, or acuities not to know the houndjirioi of the Repffm Riding. \ think it U high time for tho legitimate eidolon «iud itttepiycrs of th« fceefto.i

Riding, who have been repeatedly disfranchised by the votaries of mob law to take vigorous action. I urn &c, Old Gclly Raekk. Reeftnn, January 27th, 1884.