CORRESPONDENCE.

Poverty Bay Standard, Volume III, Issue 242, 27 January 1875, Page 2

CORRESPONDENCE.

:0: Our columns are open for free discussion ; but we do not hold ourselves responsible for the opinions of our Correspondents. :o:

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR.

Sia, —Will you allow me, through the medium of your paper, to make a few remarks on the so-called “ attempt at rescue ” in arresting the run-a-way sailor Von Borken. The manner in which Constable Joyce made his appearance was decidedly calculated to cause a breach of the peace, as he—Joyce—without showing his warrant for so doing, swaggered into the sleeping apartment of a number of disinterested men with a revolver in his hand. When civilly requested to put up his revolver he said with a strong dash of Hibernia, “ By Jastis, I was never beat yit, and I’d take any of you single-handed,” impressing everyone with the idea that lie was considerably under the influence of liquor, and seeing a bottle of brandy .in one hand I think the supposition to be well-founded. In justice to myself and comrades I must say that had it not been for the temperate conduct of Constable King who explained in a rational manner his duty, and why sleeping men were being disturbed, I fear the consequences may have been unpleasant to Constable Joyce. The fact of the Constables producing a bottle of brandy and enjoying the same with the men, I think must assure you of the quietness of the proceedings. In conclusion on behalf of the men I would state that one or more constables having a duty to perform will always have our support, provided their do their duty in a proper manner, but if they come in the middle of the night, into the sleeping apartments of tired men, revolver in hand, roughly aroused, and in partial darkness, there is no knowing what mistakes might occur.—l am, &c., A Saw Mill Hand.

Sir, —May I, through the medium of your valuable paper, be permitted to say a few words touching the way adopted hitherto of starting horses at the Turanganui Races.

On the course last year, the horses were started with the left leg in the ruck, a thing I never saw done on any race-course before. I grant that in starting, the horses will naturally go off with the right leg first, but we must remember that in keeping the circle, the weight is thrown on the inclining side, which in our mode of racing here, is on the left leg, consequently the horse so situated, is impeded in his pace, and in my humble opinion is liable to lock his legs, more especially if the course is round, and not oblong, the latter being a most desirable form, as exampled by the principal race-courses in England. Do you not therefore think that it would be much better to follow up the old rule, and start the horses in the forthcoming races with the Jockey’s right hand to the winning post, thus the Judge’s Box would, be on the opposite side, and from which he could obtain a much better view of the horses coming in. I feel quite sure that every Jockey will agree with me, and only be too glad if my suggestion is carried out.—l am, &c. Old Jock.

Sir, —Most of us need no reminding that this district belongs to one of the provinces, nor are we allowed to forget which one it is; we-also believe that we have a Provincial Council who are said to be periodically busy in legislating for our benefit, or otherwise, but of this we are scarcely able to judge, as the proper records of the business they transact do not reach us. We are at present suffering inconvenience from not being able to procure some of the Acts lately passed or amended, notably the Sheep Act, the Fencing Act, a,id the Impounding Act; can you Mr. Editor suggest a remedy.—l am &c., Out Settler. [We believe the Provincial Acts can be purchased on application at the Superintendent’s office in Auckland. —Ed.]