To the Editor of the Marlborough Express.

Marlborough Express, Volume III, Issue 114, 25 April 1868, Page 4

To the Editor of the Marlborough Express.

Siu, —The advocates of the old English style of fair play very much approve of your leading article of the 11th instant, in reference to the subject, of “ Fenianism at Havelock.” I, as you are aware, am a true-born Englishman, and as such beg to assure you that the letter written by my countrymen, Mr. Houghton, was nothing but an election dodge. Myself and others were aware of the contents of that letter for several days ere it was handed to Pat O’Connor. I did then, and do now, disapprove of its contents ; but knowing the purpose for which it was intended, am perfectly satisfied that in reality it is quite harmless, and that a more loyal subject does not exist in New Zealand than Mr. Allan Houghton. You ara quite right he has received already punishment enough for his folly ; however, if necessary, his friends are prepared at any time to stand forward and protect him in any Court of Justice, by proving the above facts. Fair play and no persecution''will always muster a few AngloSaxon hearts, ready to defend their Queen and countrymen from the malicious attacks of such as the writer of the letter signed “ Durante Vita,” who has no claim to be either an Englishman, Scotchman, Irishman, or Welshman ; and therefore, how can he, as an alien, really love and respect our beloved Queen and country, except just for the bright gold that he can drain from it ? For example, I beg to refer to the denizens of Petticoat Lane. lam sure you, Mr. Editor, will agree with me in saying that Old England must and will be upheld by her own true sons, both against Fenians and others, and that too without any foreign interference. The attacks on Mr. Houghton are prompted by rivalry in trade only, and so far I am happy to say Mr. Houghton has been a gainer rather than a loser.—Yours, &c., Anglo-Saxon. Havelock, April 18th, 1868.