ORIGINAL CORRESPONDENCE

Patea Mail, Volume III, Issue 210, 14 April 1877, Page 2

ORIGINAL CORRESPONDENCE

[We are at all times ready - to give expressing to every shade of opinion, but in no case do we hold ourselves responsible for the sentiments of on- - correspondents.] THE LATE FOREMAN OF WORKS. (to the editor of the patea mail.) Sir, — As yon arc aware, some time since an advertisement appeared in the Patea Hail, calling for tenders for the office of Foreman of Works. I was one of the six who applied, and my tender was accepted I inspected the main line of road from Waitotnra to the Tauugatara Rivers, of which I sent in a report, and with this report Mr Middlemas felt dissatisfied. I afterwards appeared at the Conned meeting to answer any questions which might he pul: to me respecting my report, when Mr Middlemas deemed it ins business to question me as to my knowledge of mathematics and mensuration. Well, I do not put myself up as a first-class mathematician, and very much question whether Mr Middlemas’ abilities in that branch of science are at all great. However, I felt fully capable of performing my duties in giving estimates and specifications, and measuring earth and gravel. T don’t pretend to having a knowledge of drawing plans, &g., which appears to mo to be more the acquirements of an engineer or surveyor. After I retired from the abovementioned meeting, it appears, from the Patea Mai l, that Mr Middlemas thought fit to indulge in the strongest language that he could imagine in condemnation of myself and my work (see issue of 7th instant), which runs as follows: —“On the Foreman of Works retiring, the discussion was renewed, and uncomplimentary remarks on the appearance of the foreman were freely m ide.”

A T o\v, Sir, I ask yon and tlio public—was ibis Ibo action or conduct oI: a gentleman to indulge in the strongest language that be could make use of in condemning and ridiculing a man behind his ba-k. As to bis nsserlions regarding my abilities, I deny them in loin. In my estimation, Mr Middleman is no gentleman, either by word, action, o r education ; in fact, I look upon him with disrespect and contempt. In conclusion, I beg to state that I have sent in my resignation of the situation, which is no great boon to anyone who gels it. and without which I am thankful to say I can still live very comfortably.—l am, &c., It [OH D. -JOYCE. Whcnuakura, April 1.2, 1877. o WO:'KING A POINT. [to TIIK iCOn'ml OV Till: PAT IS A MAIL.] Sin, —It would be more transparently becoming if settlers would join the Medical Society formed here prior to the illness of Inch wives or families. If I understand aright, Dr Colo agrees to take all risks of illness for a moderate animal subscription. But joining when sickness lias arrived in the family is simply a mean way of saving legitimate medical fees. Fortunately, we have a largedieartcd man In our present medical adviser. Still, it is to be booed that the earnin'll<-<?. Ik- lore whom all proposed members have to he approved, will see that there is no imposition m good nature. — I am, Ac., FAIR, PLAY, liawera, April 12. 1877.