THE BIRMINGHAM POSTMASTER AND MR A. L. STORES.

Feilding Star, Volume XV, Issue 69, 19 September 1893, Page 2

THE BIRMINGHAM POSTMASTER AND MR A. L. STORES.

TO THE EDITOR. OK THK STAR. Sin, — I am somewhat sorry for Mr Stokes. He hns shown how n man possessing an irritable and impatient dis a position may make himsrh ridiculous. The cause of Mr Stokes' .•mumis against Mr Ashton I do not know, nor do I wish to know, but I know the re.ison of his attack upon me; it is becmse I used a terra "impatient individual " in n former letter, which words Mr Stokes tells me he considers insulting, and evidently applied to himself. I cxphine'd to that over-sensitive gentlemnn tint no insult was intended, expressed, or implied by the words, and vow I suppo-e 1 must express regret for having hurt his feelings. I regret not having used the word gentleman, if he considers it neressary for the enlichtnient of the public ; nnd because I thought tho postmaster was not getting fair treatment it is " presumption " and " bombast " on my pnrt t<> ?ny uny thing. Dear, dear ! What is Birmingham coming to when nnyone hns t!ie intrepidity to object to the assertions or tho charges which Mr A. L. Stoke.s makes? No wonder his indignation has thn better of his discretion! I b>i!tu my crushed spirit with the reflection ihnt eren Mr Stokes considers thnt I am on the popular side; but I feel con.sl r:\med to nsk : Whence Mr Ashton's popularity? I certainly did not think of popularity at all when I entered the lisis, but some people are so devoid of generosity that they look for and impute se'fi-h motives for a man's every action. Ido not think that Mr Ashton really r- quires assistance in tho dispute — at .my rate he has not asked for any; «ud I certainly do not think he will suffer through Mr A. L. Stokes. The charges made would, I believe, if tho case were enquired iuto, vanish into thin air. I never contended that tho arrangements at the po*>t oflice in question were perfect, but what I wiahed to see was fair piny aud the convenience of outlying settlers studied. Mr Stokes implies that Birmingham should not interest me, as I get my mail at Kiwitea. I also got mail matter at Birmingham, but at the same time I do not think I want any excuse for my action. I must leave the subject, repeating that I am somewhat sorry for Mr A. L. Stokes. I am, ifcc , Thomas A. BiiYCE. Kiwitea, 18th September, ISD3.