THE BURIAL OF PAUPERS.

Grey River Argus, Volume VII, Issue 450, 1 December 1868, Page 2

THE BURIAL OF PAUPERS.

(To the Editor of the Grey River Argus.) Sir — In answer to "Enquirer's" letter, published in your issue of Thursday last, for his information I may state that the sum of four pounds thirteen shillings were subscribed, in addition to the sum of four pounds fifteen shillings allowed by the Government for burying. Ten pounds would have been my charge for conducting a funeral in the style of the late deceased's. I have, therefore, to receive 12s to pay me my usual charge for such a funeral. The coffin was prepared according to instructions by the parties interested. With regard to the reading of prayera at the cemetery, if another guinea had been subscribed I have no doubt that a clergyman could have been found to officiate, as I understand that is their usual fee. lam astonished that "Enquirer" did not attend the funeral, as I had not sufficient assistance to lower the coffin properly. I am, &c, William Sampson. P.S. — The subscription list can be seen by "Enquirer" if he chooses to call on me. . :;

(To the Editor of the Grey River Argus.) Sir — In reference to the letter of "Enquirer," in your issue of the 26th instant, we distinctly declare that no application was made to either of us to attend the funeral of the late W. Chesterman, and we most emphatically "deny having' ever refused to read the burial service over any deceased person, whether rich or poor, of that we have ever demanded a fee for officiating at burials. We are, &c, G. P. Beaumont. J. T. Shaw. Greymouth, Nov. 27, 1868.

(To the Editor of the Grey River Argus.) Sir — In your issue of the 26th instant there appears a letter signed "Enquirer," relative to the "Burial of destitute persons." As his knowledge of the case appears to me to be founded more on hearsay evidence, and having a thorough knowledge of the facts, I can inform him that Mr Sampson's expenses were in excess of the amount subscribed, and I have much pleasure in contradicting " Enquirer's" statements in toto, I presume ''Enquirer's" letter emanates from one who, although ready to proclaim that he subscribed towards the burial of the "destitute," was not one to come forward and help to lower the coffin of a poor fellow who was suddenly cut off by the " visitation of God." I am, Ac, A Oitizbn. November 30, 1868,