A CONTRADICTION.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume V, Issue 1561, 18 May 1887, Page 2

A CONTRADICTION.

TO THB EDITOB. ' 'V^ic^ Sik,— l have received, a copy of the " Quaidian," dated May 9 th, m which appear some rather startling notes from Southland by " D.E." There is a tone of exaggeration throughout the whole, of them. Will you allow me to correct the Btalements .referring to religious, matters m River ton 1 Religion is reported to bo at such a low ebb that we have recently starved out two ministers, while being ia a position to keep going eleven hotelst The facts are thesa : About two years ago the Anglican minister did leave, professedly because he didn't receive sufficient support . Though no one has been located m his place, yet Riverton is included m a I neighbouring parish, and receives periodical visits from its clergyman. The Presbyterian minister left about 2 months ago, but at the time of his departure was receiving upwards of £200 per year, and there are 4 or 6 men offering as successors to his charge to-day. As for myself, the support I have received has been steadily and is better to-day than ever it was. In reforence to the other part of the statement I must say that 12 months ago there were 10 hotels here, and these have been kept going so well that during the last year 3 of them have been olosed, 4 havo changed hands (2 of them more than once,) the reason for suoh change being m at least two instances tha£ the tenants have gone through the Bankruptcy Court 1 There are now 7 hotels m this town — not 11, I regret that your correspondent's statements should have been so wide of the mark, as such reports are not calculated either to improve matters here, or to raise your paper m the estimation of those who happen to kaow the facts, As my name has appeared m the report, and as I am known m Ashbm'ton, I shall esteem it a favor if you will give this note publicity, I am, yours etc., T. Jackson Walus, Wesloyan Minister. Riverton, May k l4th, 1887.