CORRESPONDENCE.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XII, Issue 58, 8 March 1877, Page 2

CORRESPONDENCE.

To the Editor of the « Evening Mail.' Sir— Will you kindly allow mo tlio use of your columns to make a short comment upon the remarks of the Daily Times this morning relative to the charge made by Mary Paul against Mr Rothwell for an assault at my house, which occupied the attention of the Court yesterday. I have no desire to cavil at the Magistrates' decision, however I, as a witness of the alleged assault, may consider that the saddle has not been put upon the right horse, but I feel somewhat aggrieved by the insinuations made by your contemporary against somebody or something. In our small community when the welfare or misdoings of any of its members are brought into prominent notice they are sure to form the staple of conversation, and made the theme for gossip among a great proportion of it. Something dark in the back ground intensifies the interest, and adds zest to the appetite for discussion. Who is the individual alluded to, or is it more than one who is so disreputable and assumes the respectability which is not his, and who ought (I presume) to be so thankful for the leniency displayed by the Ne son Daily Times? What was the nature of the disgraceful scene to call forth so severe a rebuke from our guardian ? AU these questions are asked and answered, till at last probably even more than three black crows are in the field. I, the unfortunate landlord, of course come in for my share of suspicion at first and certain condemnation at last, and there is my grievance. Since I took possession of the tavern I have used my utmost endeavors to keep ifc respectable and I trust with success, but as I am both by the terms of my liceuse and in order to carry on my business compelled to keep my doors open, I cannot be responsible for the entry of an. angry customer whose want of temper may provoke what is magnified into an assault, nor should I suffer probably if the fact 3 only were, stated, but the " horrid mystery " might gain for my house the character of disreputableness both from the public and the magistrates, on whom jointly I depend for the success of my trading. The brawl was a most trivial one, and such as might occur at auy time in any house. My customers who were present volunteer to testify to such being the case, but I think there is no occasion for this. I trust that your insertion of my note will be sufficient to dispel the cloud of dust which the Jove of Hardy-street has raised. If he wishes to strike let him do so when ifc is clear.— l am, &c, J. Fieldes. Bush Tavern, March 8.