ORIGINAL CORRESPONDENCE

Patea Mail, Volume V, Issue 419, 23 April 1879, Page 2

ORIGINAL CORRESPONDENCE

[We arc at all times ready (ogive expression to every .shade of opinion, but in no ca«e do we hold ourselves responsible for the sentiments of our correspondents.] HARD ON “VERITAS.” (To the Editor of the Patea Mail.) Sir, —A letter by “Veritas” appears in your issue of the Kith, which contains statements so very extraordinary in relation to the public men and affairs of Nonnanby, that it is impossible for the people hero to oxerlook them. The writer of it is well known to the Nonnanby community, though ho has had (lie temerity to slander an industrious and respectable neighbourhood from behind the barricade of a fictitious name. This, however, will not protect him from the chastisement dim to a retreating coward, and Mr “Veritas” must not complain if his injmioiis publication should entail the visitation of unwel- ; come penalties. ( “ Veritas.” it should be premised, is a ; busy-body of the most unpleusing descrip--1 tion —practically opposed to all progress in the right dirt cl ion, though loudly vaunting to bo possessed of the most liberal sentiments, ami stores of unknown wealth. But it is thoroughly well known to those acquainted with “ Veritas,” that these acquisitions are all moonshine and bunkum. He is ihe agent or representati vo of a tew sections here, and is very solicitous that the whole plan of lHe town —Telegraph. Post-office, public halls, and railwavs—should be all managed and arranged so as to centre round his lands, and thus enhan* e the services of his attorneyship. ITmce these tears, his who hmnbrations, and the concealment of the whose under the hidden name 01 “ Veritas.” It should not be omitted that “Veritas” is known her ’ under the denomination of the “ Liilie Enemy,” on account of his selfishness, and propensity for impeding all real public progress ; and it must be acknowledged that these motives have impelled him to give a very curious, but malicious, twist to the backbone of truth. I do not identify myself with any particular party, and as a mere spectator, am able to give an unbiassed judgment. It is strictly in accordance with the truth that the whole township (“ Veritas ” ami his employers excepted) is unanimous in fixing the sites of the different public stations in more central positions than those selected by the Government, not from any motives of selfishness, but as a matter of convenience for all. At present the projected Government sites are altogether in the wrong place, and out of the reach of the bulk of the settlers when the town shall be formed. And it, is also strictly true that the only opponents to the change is this derider of respectability and his interested colleagues at a distance. The deputation—all gentlemen of established reputation, respectability, and wealth —who waited on Mr Macandrew, represented the views of the entire bulk of the population. The matter has all along been conducted in the most quiet, orderly, and unanimous manner, and it is a deliberate falsification of fact on the part of “Veritas”

to assert that a fierce contest has ever, at any time, been ragingin the town. Nothing could be farther from the truth. The only individual who has made any useless noise in the matter has been “ Veritas” himself, in whom alone is concentrated all the arrogance and insolence which he so lavishly imputes to others. And when one reflects that this six months bantling of a settler here, is the sole and undivided person to whom he can point as “ the enlightened and intelligent capitalist,” it is impossible to repress a smile at the selfconciet of the little gentleman. The allusion to the “ Mounted Bung” is a very poor way of debating a public question, and it is to be regretted that so enlightened and intelligent a person, as he says he is, should resort to the undignified position of wielding the coarse weapons of rudeness and insult. And permit me further to say, that this very enlightened and intelligent capitalist is avoided by all people of any position here, on account of his obstructiveness, and his determination to subject the whole community to tl e , imperious dicta of his own will. Hsj notions are perfectly clear on one point I alone,’ and that is, where any project is |

likely to conduce to his own interest. lii other respects he seems to he possessed of the most embroiled ideas of right and ' wrong. Whilst it will be seen that the intelligent men, and men of capital, who, he says, have retired from the little clique, consist altogether of himself alone, ho forgot to inform you that lie was silentty passed over as an intolerable and unworkable egotist. The callings of sawyers; bullock drivers, diggers, &<•., at which be sneers, are, eaUi in its own way, as respectable as any ether in'the world, and he who scoffs at an honest calling on account of its humbleness, is a heartless wretch, who richly deserves to be avoided, with every expiession of reprobation and abhorrence. 1 do not pretend to knowhow “Veritas” became possessed of the visionary capital which forms so curious and prominent a part of his letter, but perhaps an enquiry might reveal what little he owns, to have been acquired by means which would contrast rather unfavourably with that got by the callings he so foolishly and cruelly misrepresents. Upon ibe whole, the writer of the letter in question should choose an anonymous name precisely the opposite of “ Veritas,” and as ho does not appear to be too much troubled with modesty, a demeanour less obstructive and imperious—a respect for others, however humble, buy" honest, and a little less blowing about hisHiberal sentiments,capita),and intelligence—might succeed in re-establishing him among tho society which now eschews him. The latter is, in fact, one of his very sore points ; but what else can anyone who resorts to mean evasions of the truth, expect, than the penalties attendant upon discreditable conduct.—l am, &c., AMICUS VERITATIS. Norraanby, April 19th, 1879.