Original Correspondence

Akaroa Mail and Banks Peninsula Advertiser, Volume VI, Issue 575, 17 January 1882, Page 2

Original Correspondence

To the Editor.

Sir, —In the last issue of the Canterbury Times allusion is made to my treatment of my father, the late Mr John Breitmeyer, in such a manner as to convey the impression that I have been guilty of unkind and unnatural conduct; the facts are simply as follows:—

Mv father has been residing in German Bay for many years, about two years since, his health gave way, and his mind was so upset that be was quite incapable of taking care of himself. He left his home and went into Akaroa with a large carving knife in his hand, and behaved in such a manner as to make it necessary tor the police to take the matter in hand. Tbe Magistrate, Mr Aylmer, suggested my taking my father to the asylum, or old man's home, as it was quite after him, or prevent him from getevident his wife could notlook ting into mischief. After talking over the matter I decided upon taking him to iwy own house, and at the stune time offered his wife (Mrs Breitmeyer) a home also, on the condition that she looked aft3r her husband as much as possible. This arraiig'-MMttfit was consented to. and they both lived together at my house for about five weeks. Ai the end of that time my step- noJher informed me that she wou'd not stop any longer, and made use of ex-pres-ious that I cannot repeat, but which meant that sne would not continue her attendance owing to the disagreeable nature of h«r hmband's infirmity. She left and returned to her own house, my father remaining with ma. and from that time until his death he was well looked after in every way by my wife and family, and by mycelf: when at. home. I have plenty of [roofs as to the truth of this statement; no restraint was put upon my father's movements excepting snob as was absolutely necessary, and all our family had access to the house at any time they wanted to ell I have never been on bad terms with my father or treated him with the slightest disrespect, In reference to my claim for remuneration—lf my father had gone to a public institution his property would have been subject to a charge for his maintenance by the Government, and I fail to perceive the injustice nf my claim under the circumstances. lam a struggling man with a large family, and have more need for what in this case has been honestly earned than those have who took little or no interest in the old man's affairs or comfort while he was with us. The Court, although admitting my charge to be a reasonable one, decided the case against me, which simply means that I and ray family are deprived of a fair payment for services rendered, —cash paid away— and a most disagreeable undertaking in every way. Tliis decision I bow to, but I protest against the greater injustice of the comment made by the Court and the Press, in holding me up to view as a brutal unfeeling tryant. I have lived here all my life, and I think I have earned tho respect of those with whom I have been brought in contact, and I can assure you I feel very keenly the unjust and uncharitable comments made upon my conduct. Please excuse this long letter. Yours, etc.,

GEORGE BREITMEYER. German Bay, 14th Jan., 1882.