CORRESPONDENCE.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XL, Issue 1867, 22 August 1918, Page 3

CORRESPONDENCE.

(To the Editor.) Sir. —Will you kindly give me space in which to answer Mr Martin. He is desirous of knowing how long I worked by myself, and how long casual labour was employed prior to Mr Mitchell starting on the road. There was no casual labour employed from the time Mr J. Parker left until Mr T. W. Mitchell started. “I and Topsy” managed to “hold the fort” for the five days that intervened. Mr G. Caddy has never, to my knowledge, worked on the road staff of the Foxton Borough Council. Mr Martin’s reference to temporary men I do not understand. I know of none on the roads. As to Mr Mitchell negotiating for the extra Is per day, I think E. Ct. Martin will agree that such action was quite in keeping with “Labours principles.” He can verify the above statements at Iho Council offices. —I am, etc., A. G. HUNTLEY.

(To the Editor.) Sir. —If you will kindly permit, I should be glad to reply to Mr Martin. His answer to my little epistle came as a surprise. I’d heard so much about the desperate nature of his eharactor that I expected thunderbolts, poisoned gas, Greek lire, etc. On the contrary, the worst he hurled at me was a “scrag end” of Latin. Nestor does not object to a slab or two or that sort with a bit of Chowchow or Yiddish thrown in. That new gentleman, “Pericles,” is a great boy for wasting ink. He should be more economical in war time! When I first sighted bis great production I felt a bit staggered. Thought it was a whirlwind with a ehaffeutter in tow. On closer inspect ion it proved t o be a bundle of those gas balloons sold at the Patriotic Shop last Saturday. Poor old “Pericles” wants me to emerge from obscurity. 1 don't (-boose to do so. To borrow a phrase from Mr Martin’s plentiful store, “ir would be detrimental to the object I have in view.” I’m a bit vexed that both E. G. Marlin and “Pericles” associate my name with that of an unsuccessful racehorse. There is nothing horsey about Nestor, only good “horse sense.” Mr Marlin evidently had a “bit on” when this gee-gee ran so badly, and it has presumably aroused painful memories. I remarked, Sir, that E. G. Martin seems inclined to be quite' nice. Though so great, he is like-

wise merciful. He admits I made one sensible remark, and nearly promises to he responsible for my future education. We are to begin with Labour’s first primer. 1 am afraid I shall not be able to accept. Can safely say that I received my first lessons in Labour’s school before Edward saw daylight, and I’m still learning. Some folks finish their education very early in life, and (hen forget it all. I hope those who “squint through the hole in the gas yard gate” won’t suffer any permanent injury. Apologies to the manager, if I’ve hurt his tender feelings. Mr Martin’s reference (o his own abundant labours —seven days a week —made me almost imagine he was doing the lot. IF this explanation isn’t enough, lot the manager order coffee and pistols for two at Porroiiu’s tea gardens. Now, gentle stoker, farewell. Long may it he ere you have (o go soldiering. So pleased lo know you are amenable lo law and order. You intend to patiently wail your turn. Thai indicates there is a happy blend of good •manners and caution in your composition. Continue lo exercise those qualities my worthy Oracle, and you may gain wisdom. Farewell, gentle stoker! Long may you dwell amid your present congenial surroundings! Long may you feed the fires in the “Temple of Gas,” and when you pass to the Shades, and have been safely ferried across the Styx, perhaps old Pluto will honour you as his loading stoker. My kind regards to “Pericles,” Mr Editor. 1 trust he feels belter after disgorging all that stuff. Understand the trouble was caused by his inadvertently swallowing a copy of Webster’s dictionary. Thanking you, Sir. —I am, etc., NESTOR. P.S. —That fragment of Latin is Mr Martin’s private motto, being interpreted in the vulgar means, “Don’t bother me too much, or you’ll get ‘what for.’” His crest, Hercules with his elul), is on all the family plate. —N.