Our Wellington Letter

Feilding Star, Volume XI, Issue 151, 14 June 1890, Page 3

Our Wellington Letter

: 'Cfbom o*tr own correspondent.) Wellington, June 12 If it be true, as stated in the Burton case the other day, that Detectiye JKirby tantalised his victim whilst in the *cell awaiting the arrival of his snrities, ~with such remarks as, "Oh, Burton, I told you I would crush you, I made up my mind to do it, and I will do it" and "*' If I get you into gaol I'll keep you there -all your Ufa, etc." If that be tme, there must be something radically wrong in the ;-state of Denmark. We have heard on •other occasions of the treatment which prisoners have received at the hands of the gaol authorities until the unfortunates have been goaded into retaliation, with the result that upon enquiry being held into the circumstance, the police officials' word is taken as gospel truth, whilst that •of his victim has carried no weight whatever and he has received additional sen-■-tence. The detectives and police officials Tcnow this and they do not forget, very often, to take advantage of it. Mr Jelli--coe, Burton's counsel, hinted that more -would be heard of the affair. Let us hope so, for matters can scarcely remain where they are now. Either Detective Kirby has allowed his animosity to gain the better of him, or Burton has made a mali--cious and libellous statement. .Dr Grace has been receiving a severe handling from the Newtown residents during the past few daj's in connection •with the Tram Company difficulty. At a meeting hold last week between a deputation from the Trades and Labor Council and the Dr, the latter tried to smooth over the difficulty with the aid of an oily tongue; stating that he was proud of ■every man in the employ of the Company, ■oi which he was the head, that they were as fine a lot of men as could be picked up anywhere in the colony, and a lot more gush to the same effect. But when it came to practical sympathy. with the men in their hard lot, that was quite another matter, it touched the medico's pocket. That would require careful consideration. *• The tram doesn't pay expenses, in fact, I'll toss you for the lot" said the wily Dr. That was all the deputation could get for their trouble. A few evenings after the meeting there appeared a long wail in the Evening Post from " Morgan S. Grace," stating how good the company had been to the Newtown people, which has had the effect of flooding the newspapers with letters in reply from the indignant Newiowners, who are reminding the Dr that the Tram Company had the monopoly, they raised the fares to 6d after 7 p.m., no matter how short the distance, and that the public were treated very discourteously by the Company. Now that ' the City Council has decided that the fares must not go beyond threepence, Dr Grace -wishes to take credit to his Company for the reduction ; but' the people of Newtown say they know better than that. Well done the Rev. Van Stavern ! May others show their practical Christianity l>y following in your footsteps. The Rev. H. Van Stavern, the Jewish Rabbi, at a meeting of the Hospital Trustees recently, <expressed surprise that certain of the clergy of other denominations demanded their burial fees no matter how poor the deceased, or his friends, happened to be, «nd added that he himself never took burial fees from either rich or poor. This is an example worthy the notice of any gentleman, of .the black cloth who have been guilty joY money grubbing, for it seems incredible" 1 that those who profess not to look, for earthly reward should keep such a sharp eye on this world's gear. It has been rumoured for some months past that His Excellency the Governor intends returning to England after the end of the year. Concerning that rumour, a very suggestive local appeared in this morning's Times to the effect that notice had been given that the pews used in St. Paul's Cathedral by the Government House party would not be required after the end of December. As I prognosticated in my last letter, another child has fallen over the breastand narrowly escaped a watery grave. Matters political are freshening up and Ministers are very busy getting ready for the opening of Parliament. Sir Harry .Atkinson is far from well, but he has alauost completed his Financial Statement.