"Dear Sir,—So far as I am aware, your name has not been published here, and as you have not thought it necessary to officially advise that you decline to hear me, I have no means of knowing it, and am therefore obliged to address you thus.

"The impression left on my mind by the investigation of 1886 then was, and still is, that at any rate three out of the four departmental officers then examined had no wish to assist the committee to arrive at the truth. Their sole object appeared to be to prove me to be in the wrong. At any rate, subsequent events, and the evidence supplied by their own accountant, have placed me in a position to prove that the committee of 1886 was grossly misled by their evidence.

"One of two things is now quite apparent: either they gave evidence that they knew to be untrue, or they were so ignorant of their own business as to be quite unfit for the posts they occupied. My own belief is that they wilfully misrepresented.

"I regret very much that I should be forced to take up this position. I have had no wish to in any way injure any of the officers of the Department, but as I am driven to it I now say that I am in a position to prove that either through design or ignorance they grossly deceived and misled the committee of 1886. For twelve years I have patiently worked and waited, hoping that one of the numerous Railway Committees set up would do justice to the cause I represent; but I have waited in vain. One and all, they appear to have considered it their business to condemn me unheard.

"I trust you will not think that I wish to treat you or your committee with any disrespect; all I wish is to be placed in a position to elicit the truth. With that object in view I am coming to Wellington.