MR SMITH IN REPLY.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume VII, Issue 1721, 21 December 1887, Page 2

MR SMITH IN REPLY.

TO THR EDITOR. _IR, —la last- night's issue of the " Guardian " I observe that Mr B. Hughes is again to the fore with his accustomed scurrility. It iB the invariable result of a newspaper war that as soon as an opponent's arguments are exhausted, there mußt follow some coarse, senseless abuse. Ihe introduction of a constable's name or the pretence of having the sympathy of aome neighbours, does not alter my opinion or position one iota. The fact remains that my letter Is still unanswered, and the attempt to stiematise it by styling it tissue of falsehoods " is stroDg evidence of his desire to shirk a reply I expected to see some more manly attempt at refuting; my letter, instead of a low tirade or " tissue "of abuse. He admits that a newspaper controversy is not desirable with me. This is, no doubt, true, as I have had so little trouble m disposing of his vicious letter he will be likely to act with more discretion m future. Judging from his style of correspondence and address, I think, Mr Editor, it is to be regretted that no Dramatic or Shakespearian Association exists m Ashburton, as I am of opinion that Mr Hughes is eminently fitted to perform the r6lt of a Mephistophiieß or a Caliban. I am, etc., W, W. Smith.