MATTHEW O’ROURK.

Dunstan Times, Issue 1070, 27 October 1882, Page 3

MATTHEW O’ROURK.

TO THE EDITOR. Sir,—Tn issue of Cromwell Argus of 17th fnst. notice is taken of an inquest held at Commercial Hotel, Quartzville, on 12th inst., before M. H. Behrens, Esq , J P., and a jury of 13, on the body of Matthew O'Rourk, in the following manner, — A post mortem examination was made by Dr. Stack pool, whose evidence went to show that deceased died from natural causes, and a verdict to that effect was accordingly returned. O’Rourk lived for many years on the Garrick Range, following the occupation of miner, but was evidently an unsuccessful one as he died poor and was buried a pauper. He held the Queen and her Government in great disgust, having been sent as a convict to Tasmania when only 15 years of age ; and when remonstrated with by his neighbours to save some money he would invariably reply: ‘The Government had me since I was 15 years of aae, and I intend the Government to have the last of me ’ Deceased was an Irishman by birth, and about 65 years of age.” Sir, allow me to state that, to say the least of it, tbe comments upon deceased are cruel and uncalled for, notwithstanding his nationality. I have known him to be working for eighteen years in the Bannockburn district, and through his perseverance he caused rushes, and all the time he paid his way, notwithstanding the vicissitudes consequent upon mining. A shroud is supposed after death in the case ot ordinary mortals to cover their sins. It is only the characters and antecedents of great public men, or, perhaps, great criminals, that may require to be unfolded afterwards. I will go further, and say the Argus editor is reprehensible for having made such statements without apparent object, unless, indeed, to ridicule deceased’s nationality. Hid he been of the “ unco guid’’ his exit would have been recorded in the language of sorrow and respect. The fact of this man having earned an honest living in tho colonies for at least 40 years without offending against the law should have assured him a charitable notice, if any, on his death. None of us know how soon they may be called upon, and I am frightened of uncharitable strictures following roe to the grave, which is the reason that I notice the article alluded to ; and for such reason I beg von will be g»o-l enough to give insertion in your next issue to this letter.—l am Ac., An Old Bannockburn Miner. Cromwell, October 23, 1882. TO THE EDITOR, Sir, —T am sorry to see poor old Mat. was not allowed depart to his final rssting place without exposing his weakness. 1 have, known him for many years and he was any bins but an unsuccessful miner. Ho earned more than would keep him three times over ; but his generosity exceeded his discretion. He was always ready with a drink of tea or a feed for any passer who may have r<paired it. Can as much be said of hiserHc? He held the Queen and her Government in contempt, so the Cromwell Argus siys; it may be possible he had reason to do so, and had the boldness to publicly state it,—not the policy ot some to preach what they do not practice. Dear Cromwe'l Argus, let a veil cover our misfortunes Recollect the old saying: “He that is without a fault, let him cast the first stone ” How many of us break the law and are not caught. But poor Mat. was caught. I am an admirer of poor old Mat’s, hospitality and a sympathiser of his misfortunes or weaknesses. —I am Ac., Charity. Bannockburn, October 24, 1882. j