IN ANSWER TO "INQUIRY."

Patea Mail, Volume IX, Issue 1071, 10 August 1883, Page 2

IN ANSWER TO "INQUIRY."

TO THE EDITOR. Sib, Referring to a letter respecting my son Leslie, will you allow me space to make a few remarks in reply. In April, 1881, I was brought down from Hawera, (where I had been for some time living with my family, following my profession as a teacher of music and singing) as a patient to the Patea Hospital, where I remained, at one time in a most critical position, until the 15th January of this year. During this time my wife was seized with an attack of ophthalmia, and as I had not been as provident as I might have been when in health, she also was admitted to the Hospital as a patient, and necessarily a home had to be found for my two little hoys. Mr David Donley, then Steward of the Institution, took a great deal of trouble in the matter, and eventually succeeded in placing the younger one (now living with me) with Mr D. Smith, where he was well taken care of, until circumstances occurred that rendered it necessary to remove him. Leslie, the elder boy was placed with a painter named Sparkes, and from the time he went there, till now, he lias always been a source of anxiety to me. He has been studiously kept away from coming to sec me, and at last I took him away through an agent, for the purpose of regaining control over him myself when I left the Hospital, From this person he was forcibly and with great violence re-taken, (my authority was in writing) to be brought back here, to do all sorts of work totally unfitted to a child of his age, besides learning to be anything but truthful. When by the care and attention paid to me, medically and otherwise, I was enabled to leave the Hospital, with my health restored, I did so and obtained leave to occupy my present room, from the County Council, intending always to get my son away from whore he is, and earn a living for himself and his brother as I always had done, but sir, here again I was disappointed I left the Hospital in health, but I am a cripple for life. I cannot use my feet. If I could have walked I should have long since taken my son away from these persons who know quite' well that they are detaining him, not only against my will, but illegally. I have proved twice how useless it is to go for him in a buggy, and it is a delicate matter to

ask strangers to act for you in a private matter of this sort, and with such people. There are some unfortunate family circumstances connected with the case that concern no one but myself, and although I have had the repealed assurance from these persons that Leslie was going to school, the statement in “ Orphan’s ” letter which is perfectly true, shows what a peifect farce is made of that. I know quite well what I am doing, and have waited patiently before writing to you, to sec if anyone would take notice of the poor little fellow out in all weathers, and often barefooted, cow-herding. If he is sent to me, for it is useless in my crippled condition trying to go for him, there will be no necessity (any more than there is for his brother) for his being called a neglected child. He would be of use to his helpless father, educated, clothed and fed, and anything but neglected. Thanking “Orphan" for bringing the matter before the public, and you Sir, for the space this will occupy.—l am, &c„ Patea, Aug. o. Leslie Charles.'

TO THE EDITOR. Sir, —Kindly allow me space in your columns in answer to the “ Orphaan’s” letter which appeared in yonr last issue. In the first place if the person who signs himself “Orphan” is not the father of the boy Leslie Charles, he has a great amount of impudence and ignorance to interfere with the child while he is under my care and charge. If the “ Orphan” had the welfare of the said boy so much to heart as he wishes to make people believe, why did he not undertake to maintain him when he was thrown destitute on the borough some two years back. It could not have been for want of asking, for Mr Donley, the then steward of the Hospital informed me he took the boy and his little brother and made an appeal to almost every person in Patea to adopt the children, but every door was closed against them, with the exception of Mr D. Smith’s and mine. The fact is, Sir, the “ Orphan ” is one of those persons who are always interfering, when they have no right or, business to. He has been trying make a mountain out of a molehill '-tfC' this little affair. The case is simply this—The boy goes to school generally of a morning, and in the afternoon he stands bye and minds three cows. What schooling he loses in the day time, he gains by receiving instructions in the evening. The boy speaks for himself. Now he is fed and clothed as my means will allow me, and I believe better than ever he was before, when two years ago he was half-starved and sleeping under hedges. Then was the time for “ Orphan” to make inquiry and show his kindness. A few words more, Sir, and I am finished. If the “ Orphan ” thinks he can do better for the boy, and is willing to take him,l will willingly part with him. But if this does not suit your views, “ Orphan,” go to! and for ever hold your peace.-—Yours, &c., P. C. Sparks.