“BOGUS CORRESPONDENCE"

Dunstan Times, Issue 1031, 20 January 1882, Page 3

“BOGUS CORRESPONDENCE"

TO THE EDITOR. Sir, —Will you kindly afford me space to defend myself, from tho attack made upon me by the editor of the “Cromwell Argus ” in his last issue, wherein ho inserts a bogus letter, evidently, written by himself, but purporting to he from a Bendigo resident, and in which ho foolishly endeavors to bespatter me by calling me such names as exBendigo miner, ex-policeman, ex-bailiff, etc. How, with reference to the first appellation, according to my way of thinking, he (the editor) must have forgotten (if over he knew) the rules of journalistic etiquette for all the letters bearing tho nom rfe plume of “ Bendigo Miner,” and inserted in the “ Cromwell Argus ” were written solely in defence of the poor miners whose houses were so ruthlessly demolished by the Cromwell Company, and not only did “Bendigo Miner” write concerning tho matter but one of tho most able contributors to tho “Cromwell Argus” as well. How, who the “ Bendigo Miner ” is or was I leave the editor of tho “Cromwell Argus ” to state, but think if tho letters written above that signature were unfit for publication, he acted with a very great amount of imprudence in giving them su'ch prominence in his correspondence columns. But what can I say to refute the charge of being an expoliceman. '.To this I must plead guilty, for I cannot deny tho fact that for tho space of three years I served in the Otago Police Force, and that at the termination thereof I received the sura of £IOO, eompousation tor such service, so I fancy that 1 cannot have my feelings much hurt by a country editor pointing me out as an ex-policeman, for I can assure him that there are to be found m the ranks of tire force men of culture and refinement, whose shoe-latches he is unworthy to unloose ; therefore he cannot cry me- down on that score. But how can I justify myself in that I am an ex-bai!iff? surely, my colonial career must have been a very chequered cne, inasmuch as I have tilled several situations and am now in want of honest employment. Now lam not ashamed of any of the names by which tire “ Cromwell Argus” designates me, for to he either an efllcent policeman or bailiff' requires as much brain po v- er or even more than is at the command of the fellow who in an uncalled-for maimer tries to bespatter mo in his own tinpot style. Yet he seems anxious that I might obtain profitable employment. Well, strange to say, I manage to pull through without resorting to questionable devices, and all my actions bear daylight inspection. After reading bis parson toned How Year’s Leader, I foolishly thought at the time that he was trying to deliver himself of envy, hatred, malice, ami

all uncharitableness ; but my hopes were abortive, and 1 must conclude that he still loves to wallow in the mire. Now, with reference to the letter of your correspondent to which he refers, may I ask your readers to borrow a copy of the last issue of the “Cromwell Argus” and place his bogus le.tors side by side with that of yours (although I do not claim to be the author of any), and they will easily see which is couched in the lingo of the Billingsgate fishwife.

Now, Mr Editor, I have been very reluctantly compelled to defend myself from the dastardly and contemptible insinuations of this man, whom 1 furnished with mining and general news during a number of years while resident at Bendigo, and also acted as agent for his paper up to the time that I sought and obtained the appointment of bailiff to -thet Courts here, and he now scornfully oasts it in my teeth. As a public servant f refraino 1 from acting any longer in that capacity, hut you soon afterwards anpointing a correspondent at Bendigo, this far seeing sycophant foolishly fancies that 1 am the fellow who supplies"your paper with Bendigo coirespondence, Surely, if r. man lived in a stable there is no just cause to think that ho must he a horse.

I would have gladly remained silent and not have trespassed on your space, only to do so would further encourage the envious creature who styles himself the “we ” of the “Cromwell Clipper,” and who thinks he has an undisputed right to all uncountry correspondence as well as all ORIGINAL POETRY. 1 am, etc., EX POLICEMAN. Cromwell, Jan. 18.