REV. J. DICKSON V. BOOK AGENTS.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1680, 31 December 1887, Page 2

REV. J. DICKSON V. BOOK AGENTS.

TO THK EDITOB. Sib, —Will you kindly oblige by inserting this in reply to the Bev. Mr Dickson's letter, which appeared in your issue uf the 24th December, wherein he charges book agents with extortion, imposition, and charging fabulous prices for the hooks which they exhibit for sale. I must tell Mr Dickson that there are men engaged in this business whose character would most favorably compare with hi? own in all their relations with their fellowmen. Mr Dickson cautions the reading public and housekeepers against book agents, in order to put a stop to their " irksome trade," but I must tell him again that book agents have as legal a right to sell books as the storekeepers, butchers, and bakers to sell their goods. If Mr Dickson entertains this monomania of suspicion of book agents he need not patronise them with his custom: Nor, on the other hand, has he any right to foist his opinion on the reading public, as I have sold books to some of those whose capabilities are as fully developed as his in discerning books of literary merit. He says in his letter that J. B. Gough's book has no claim to literary merit. I only say that I wished Mr Dickson was possessed of the impressiveness of his eloquence, the earnestness of his convictions, and the inspiring power of his example; indeed, I would then say that he was the transcendant pearl of his own community, and fit to take bis place with " the English bards and Scotch reviewers." lam glad to see in your paper to-day a letter from Mr Coltman; he has my best wishes and thanks for the same, as Mr Dickson will now feel that the public are not as much opposed to book agents as he might suppose, and that no reply would be made to him, as they were like " birds of passage," leaving him to be the sole judge between the books sold and the public. I will be in Temuka in a few days soliciting subscribers for a new book entitled "The World as it is," published by Blackie and Son, Edinburgh, and edited and written by Gr. G. Chisholm, M.A., and B.Sc I shall go before Mr Dickson again as one of the " boring fraternity" to solicit his name as a subscriber and impartially review the above-named book. If he grants me this favor I shall feel thankful, but I must most respectfully make him aware now that I have neither the power nor the wish to enhance the price of the book, or sell or o 3er it for the " fourth part of the price" to him, whatever his verdict may be.—l remain, etc., Johk Woulfe. Belfield, Orari, Dec. 30th, 1887. ;