CORRESPONDENCE.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXX, Issue 441, 12 November 1908, Page 3

CORRESPONDENCE.

We do not hold ourselves responsible for pinions expressed by our correspondents.

Sir, —In your issue of the sth November, I notice a challenge from the Rev. Aitken, asking me to prove that he did purchase liquor at any time from myself or any hotelkeeper. I did not accuse him of doing so, as my question was : “ Does it justify a minister of the church, etc., etc.” Therefore, as the rev. gentleman has taken it to himself, all I can say is, “if the cap fits, let him wear it. It reminds me of an old detective yarn I heard as from Scotland Yard : A robbery of jewellery having taken place at a country house, and after investigation, a novel plan of finding the guilty one was introduced by a detective. A donkey with his tail smeared with soot was placed in a position, and the inmates of the house, numbering about 30, were ordered to pass at the rear of the donkey, each one in turn pulling the tail, the guilty one only receiving a kick ; each one passed, and apparently pulled, but With no result, whereupon they were ordered to show the palms of their hands ; with one exception, these were black, and the guilty parly alterwards confessed. Perhaps the rev. gentleman will do so some day.—l am, etc.,

George Gray