* * •* a large number of bona fide settlers," &c. Your report of the meeting says, the number of settlers present was about a dozen, and from enquiries I have made I believe that is as near the truth as it was possible to ascertain. Does " Flax " consider this a " large num ber I" I admit the meeting was ably pre sided ever by Mr Thomson, and I admit, further, that but for the ability and tact displayed by that gentleman in securing a hearing for Mr Macandrew when he was in terrupted by the meeting, his Honor would have had to return to Dunedin with only the half of his speech delivered. "Flax" may also read an able address by the Chairman, delivered at a public meeting, at .Kaihiku, and published in your paper alongside of Mr

Macandrew'a speech, tod from il he will find Mr Thomson's opinion of the Bill, and the conduct of our representative. " The vote of approbation and confidence was carried by a large majority." Here again " Flax s large numbers amount to 12, and it is said that in many cases both hands were held up, and those not belonging to electors. Accord ing to your report the numbers were 18 and 30, thus only 48 persons voted out of about 300 present. How does " Flax " account for this? "Flax" also mentions Mr Mac andrew's ."lucid explanations," and "the satisfactory manner in which the numerous interrogations presented were disposed of. The ordinary limits of your space allowed to a correspondent will not admit of my pointing out the incorrectness of these assertions, but perhaps you will allow me to give only one instance. Mr Macandrew* was asked the question, "Are you aware that Mr Vogel introduced into the Provincial Council reso lutions altering the principle of the run holders' leases, and that they were rejected by the Council ?" To this Mr Macandrew replied, " I was not aware of it." Whether this answer was considered "satisfactory" or not it certainly was a very fortunate one for Mr Macandrew, as the audacity of the reply would seem to have completely " flabergasted " the querist, and rendered him incapable of pursuing the subject further. 