THE EX-POLICEMAN.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume V, Issue 1513, 14 April 1885, Page 3

THE EX-POLICEMAN.

To the Editor, Sib, —I have just received a copy of your issue of Thursday last, in which a writer has called in question some statements made by me at the public temperance meeting held in the Oddfellows’ Hall on the 7th inst. Ido not know the writer—except by repute—and have no means of knowing how much reliance can be p’aced upon his statement, and have no intention of entering into controversy with him in reference to the case in question. I gave to the meeting the source of my information —which was the head gaoler where the prisoner was—and I stated that the gentleman who was in roy company on \he occasion of the visit to the gaol, confirmed the testimony of the gaoler as to the circumstances. It is simply, therefore, a question of testimony. Ihe gentleman who was with me is one of the oldest residents of the town where the person in question was a constable, was its Mayor for several years, and has represented an important constifuency in Parliament for several years. He resided opposite the constable and his wife for a number of years, and stated that no two persons could conduct thetnseives with greater propriety than they, nor be more deserving of respect—that

the constable was, -in his judgment, a model constable. My friend had positive knowledge from c’ose observation at d intercourse. The change, resulting in the terrible issue, occurred after entering upon the occupation of a publican. If your correspondent’s version were true, there seems no reason for a commutation of the sentence. With the account given by my informant, the reason is seen. Having ro personal knowledge of the case, 1 must leave the matter thus ; but, may add, that with my present light I prefer to believe the testimony ef the two persons who I know had means of accurate knowledge, to that of your correspondent.—l am, etc., The Person Challenged. | April 13th.