THE LATE INQUEST.

Thames Star, Volume XII, Issue 3790, 19 February 1881, Page 2

THE LATE INQUEST.

(To the Editor of the Evening Star.)

Silt, —In last night's Star Mr Brassey says that " finding I was going to Te Aroha, he had no option, and supposed that if I intended to go I must, but if he could he would have called me on the subpoena." Now (1.), I can prove that Mr Brassey had been notified through defendant's solicitor (Mr Miller) that defendant bad admitted the points on which my evidence was called for. consequently my evidence was not required ; (2.) the adjourued case came on on Tuesday and was settled without my going to court at all to give evidence against defendant . Mr Brassey never eveu sent for me, although I had returned from Te Aroha. In fact, as I stated before, Mr Brassey had told me on Friday evening that I would not be required as a witness, and this statement is borne out by the, above facts. I leave the public to judge as to his charge of "gross falsehood." It is not likely, knowing I was not required, that lie would have told rue I was required. Again, in his letter of Saturday

12th he makes a statement that has about it as much foundation in fact as the lasfe. He says that Sergt.-Major O'Grady suggested to Mr Kenrick to engage Dr Callan to go to Te Aroha, but that Mr Kennqk " spurned the idea." This is one of Mr Brassey's flights of imagination. I have permission from Sergeant-Major O'Grady to contradict this in toto, and to say that the Sergeant-Major called at my home and told me that Dr Callan's name had not been mentioned by either. It was f[r Brassey himself alone that desired allan to be engaged. Mr Brassey, knowing that an officer of the police is prohibited from newspaper controversy, took a mean advantage, the SergeantMajor being unable to reply. What about " gross falsehood " and " meanness ? " Thirdly, the disappointed Coroner makes t a stray shot about my " bosom friend," !Mr Kenriek. So far, my acquaintance with that gentleman has extended to my visiting his house once professionally, and [ his calling once at mine professionally. ! As to Mr Brassey saying that I desired to suppress evidence, there is as much truth in this as in his previous statements. The boot is on the other leg. His forget fulness is as wonderful as it is convenient. —I am, &c, • C. H. Huxtable.

[This correspondence must now ceaae —Ed. Star]