CORRESPONDENCE. REPLY TO CR. RICHMOND.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXV, Issue 1063, 13 February 1913, Page 3

CORRESPONDENCE.

REPLY TO CR. RICHMOND.

(To the Editor.)

Sik, —I find it necessary to make this statement per medium ot the Herald, in order to clear myself in the eyes of the Foxton public from charges made against me by Cr Richmond at the last Council meeting. It seems that Cr Richmond has pushed his nose into a mare’s nest. I should say that a Councillor should have a wise head, aud investigate matters, and be sure of his facts before making public slatemeuls. I deuy right out the false statements made re the men employed at the gates at the recent race meeting. It is a deliberate untruth to inform the public that I never gave one man iu Foxton a chance to earu a few shillings, I had twenty men employed in connection with the gates, and it gives me pleasure to be able to say that fouiteen of them were Foxlou men I could have engaged all my men here, but I had special reasons for engaging those six men from elsewhere, aud since I have been so good as to place the facts before Cr Richmond and the public, if the former has oue particle of manhood in him, alter trying to damage me in the eyes of the Foxton people, I should say that he owes me an apology. Hoping I have not taken up too much of your valuable space,—l am, etc., F. W. Gardes.

(To the Editor.)

Sir, —At the risk of rushing in where angels fear to tread, I should like to make a few remarks in connection with the sayings of some of our borough administrators at the last meeting of the Council, as reported in your paper. First, let me congratulate Cr Speirs for his intention to move to bring down the price ol gas, and I hope lie will be supported in this by the whole council. I was much amused at the Mayor’s reasoning when dealing with Cr Richmond’s police of motion, and ip bis defence of the Town Clerk. I would like to ask the Mayor if it is not a fact that the ratepayers pay.the Town Clerk for specific duties between the hours of 9 a.m. and 4 p.m., except, I believe, on Saturdays, apd by whose authority is he absent from the Council Chambers to attend Education Board meetings. Granted that the school district is well represented, what has that got to do with the ratepayers ? Would the Mayor allow one of his chief employees days off on full pay to attend meetings of the Flaxmills Employees’ Union? A trustee' should be more conscientious with h!s trust than if he was dealing with his private affairs. Re the picture show'. Fancy Crs Adams and Coley as musical critics. Ye gods and little fishes, what next ? Is Cr Adams aware that the instrumentalist who accompanies the pianiste—the latter a very talented young lady—plays by ear, and how would he get on with new music? The Council did quite right in refusing to reduce the price of the picture shows at present. Those who voted for a reduction are wauling ip business acumen. £r As a tn?> a rpap desires to go twice a week to the pictures it would cost him is 6d a time. Who asks for is 6d a time ? He can go downstairs for is or qd, and get just as good a view. If certain people want to grade “good fair’’ they should not sqpeal about the higher price. It is nonsense to compare Foxton with metropolitan centres in the picture business. There ate one or two other matters I should like, with your permission, to refer to at a future time. Thanking you in anticipation,—l am, etc., Ratepayer.