CORRESPONDENCE.

Poverty Bay Standard, Volume X, Issue 1152, 20 September 1882, Page 2

CORRESPONDENCE.

[We do not hold ourselvefl responsible for tho opinions expressed by our correspondents].

TEE CHEQUES ANDTHB COTTAGES

TO TUF. EDITOR. Str,—l, aa a complete outsider, wish to know whether the statement you have made with reference to certain transactions between the late Harbor Master and the men living on the Pilot Station Reson*e are true or not ? It would appear from what has been published in your columns that certain cottages were built on the Flagstaff Reserve, granted by Riperata Kahutia, by Captain Chrisp, at that time a servant of the General Government of New Zealand ; that the pilot men were the occupants of these cottages ; that the men were paid by cheques ; that these cheques were enclosed in envelopes, and adilresscd individually; that these cnVelwyds were deponiled bt the Harbtf Mas-

ter's or Customs box at the Post Office ; that the said letters were opened by the Harbor Master, the cheques cashed by him, and the men were then paid in coin. Now, sir, I want to enquire whether or not such is the case, because if it is, I for one think that the Government are very remiss in not causing an enquiry to be made into the matter at once. If I am not very much mistaken, any person who opens a post letter belonging to another is liable to a very heavy term of imprisonment, so that if you are correctly informed, a great crime has been committed and overlooked. Suppose Tom Jones or Bill Snooks opened a letter belonging to anyone else, how would they be dealt with ? Why ? lodged safely in Donnelly’s castle, brought before our respected Magistrate in the morning, and sent to Napier for trial. I maintain, sir, that the goddess Justice should uphold her dignity and act blindly in a matter of this nature. She should be no respecter of persons, but should deal out impartial justice between the rich and the poor. There is no doubt that a great wrong has been done, and it is for the Government to provide the remedy. I have waited patiently to see whether any answer was given to refute your assertion and those of your correspondents on this subject, but as I find that no refutation of those serious charges has been made, I must leave the public to form their ■ own opinion.—l am, &c., Vindex.