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Hawke's Bay Times, Volume II, Issue 78, 25 December 1862, Page 5 (Supplement)

“Why go to law?—Why not rather suffer wrong ?”— From an old book. Mr. Editor, —I was forcibly reminded of the advice given in the above quotation by the late sapient decision of certain of our wonderful J.P.’s on the case of Smith v. M’Nalty. The lesson taught to the poor working man by these worthies, is to submit to every imposition and injustice from those who patronise ! them, rather than run Vthe risk of having to pay the costs of the \Eesident Magistrate's Court, and lose a half--day’s time in addition to the first injury. The lesson taught the swells, is to neglect paying for property bought and received, as long as possible, and on any pretext: for the chances are, that if summoned to Court by a poor creditor, they will be gainers rather than losers, or at all events they will be enabled to have all damages repaired—not only such as result from regular wear and tear, or even accident, but even such as are wilfully done to the goods, by themselves and their honorable ! associates, before being called to pay. Sir, the damage dune to the property, which Smith has by this decision to make good before he can receive payment, was not only proved on the one hand to have been wilfully done, but it was also acknowledged to have been so on the other. I am, Sir, Xox-Kesistaxce. Napier, 23rd Dec. 1862.