CORRESPONDENCE. STRAIGHT TALK.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXVI, Issue 1258, 13 June 1914, Page 3

CORRESPONDENCE.

STRAIGHT TALK.

(To the Editor.)

No, Mr Editor, I had nothing whatever to do with the recent “non-de-plumes,” for which I have been frequently blamed. The fact is, I have had no time for controversy, all my time having been occupied in connection with the “well balanced choir,” which no doubt helped to the success and enjoyment of Wednesday night’s citizens’ picture show. This has been a terrible waste of time, besides a sacrifice of business and more profitable engagements to me. While I have more than once been sought to assist, and so willing to “graft” for such functions desirable in a borough, it cuts so discouragingly to see responsible townsmen —who are now being censured so much — recklessly squandering public money outside the place, and not giving a legitimate jeweller in their own town even a chance of a quote. Yes, I have said “public money,” Mr Editor, since the successful rendering of the choir, I have been approached by several to organise a choral society, including a large orchestra. to keep the musical circle alive for the sake of the place. Indeed, the talent is here. Time and again I have been begged to join the Borough Band to play the slogging soprano lead. But all this is simply nonsense to the business man with the hobbyhorse. Those who handle public money are unwilling to encourage the talent of the town. And these are the kindly people who we hear say, “musicians in every town are alike, too touchy, don’t you know !” Indeed, it is not the musical that is touchy, it is the business man they make touchy, pushing him about and trading on his generosity with such ingratitude. Now, with all due deference to Mr Witchell, in his “goodbye” he urges upon all the importance of assisting and supporting those things designed for Foxton’s progress. He proclaims its welfare at heart, the town which initiated bis managership, and all that sort of thing, and yet he accepts with pleasure something along lines which tends to knock the bottom out of the town. It seems to me very illogical indeed. And since Mr Witchell thus advocates advancement, is it not fair to assume that the “token of remembrance” would bring him dearer appreciation were it but purchased legitimately in the town he lived in, and where he pledged his cherishes for progress ? Now, in the first place, the money subsucribed was not confined to the few bowling men. as the prime movers wrongfully, but purposely, lead us to believe. The vicepresident himself publicly contradicted this at the social send-off, and yet, on the face of that, claims the right to juggle with other people’s money by calling it “the club’s own,” and daring anybody to dictate as to its proper use—the circulation from whence It came. Some business men who were forced to subscribe are horrified at this. What an unpleasant thing for Mr Witchell, whose heart is in Foxton’s progress. It seems a bit amazing, too, that I should be sought to supply the nice case in which to present the watch, that it might save the vice-president the trouble of sending to Palmerston for one. Still, it ,may be pleasing to know that though the watch could not recall memories of progress, the case bu'ght to, anyhow, since it was supplied locally. We are told that the watch was secured through some trustworthy friend in Wellington, whose faithfulness to supply the article at wholesale bedrock price it would be a sin to question. But it has leaked out that the watch passed through the hands of two Jews, who, I feel safe in saying, care not a jot for the welfare of the purse of the few bowling men, or make such extraordinary sacrifices ot their profits. Not so much as I, anyhow, since I gave the case gratis. The watch, Mr Editor, I have weighed and examined, and any legitimate jeweller would be handsomely paid at the price squandered, though truly 1 would have quoted less, and a five years guarantee offered in the bargain. I say, seek a legitimate jeweller for a quote, and know where you buy. Some* non-de-plume has been trying to talk on this watch question, but rambled off into irrelevant onions. Had he said turnips, we would have seen the odd comparison. He considers all business men too dear in Foxton (including too, must be the unfortunate business men who subscribed) because he bought some cheap onions somewhere. But I know a man who bought good onions for two years in Foxton at 5s per cwt. retail. How’s that ! And non-de-plume says he can buy them for 6s per cwt in Wellington. Onions and a gold watch have had a reckless purchase somewhere. I say again ‘‘know where you buy.” Now, if non-de-plume will strip off his mask and consult me personally after business hours, I will prove to him how I can sell a Rotherham or even a wedding ring cheaper than he can purchase it either in Palmerston or Wellington. My esteemed friend the vice-president tells me he fails to see of what right X have to complain. Well, I have as much right of complaint as he had when a man was to be sent from Levin to show him how to make gas. In philosophical patience.—l am, etc., J. Golder.