MOUNT BENGER AND ITS J. P.'s

Tuapeka Times, Volume II, Issue 64, 1 May 1869, Page 3

MOUNT BENGER AND ITS J. P.'s

(To tie Editor of the Tuapeka Times'?)

Sib, — I perceive by your two last issues that somewhat sharp practise has been used towarpa this creature of misplaced confidence, for certain strictures and moralizing® which I have addressed to your readers on the civic appointments of Mount Benger. I have had a little of Jeddart justice ; that sort of justice which the old poet finds in the infernal regions, administered to me. My picture of the local magistracy of the present period, has been condemned first, and tried afterwards, and found not guilty at last. I have been assailed as a foul libeller, (and worse than that even) of the civic rank, and the morality of this prurient age of invective caligraphy, because of what — because I have hinted that Mr. Stafford's selection virtually refuted Mr. Darwin's literary efforts to convince slippery humanity. But wherefore this storm of spasmodic and hysterical indignation ? Is it because my system of pathology offended my dear friend " Fidus? " very possibly of course ; but do you not think, sir, it would have been infinitely better for " Fidus " of the local robes, to have put -his case in the hands of a less scrupulous advocate than " Splenetic"" who ia afflicted with a mysterious malady known by the name of " vapours," or one no less obscure, the spleen ; but lam bold enough to assert from past experience, that "Splenetic " is troubled with a structural disease of that organ, or hydatids in the liver, which destroys the functions of sanity and sound reason/ .the true animal ia-

turo of which, has not, I believe, becif pointed out by. uathologists, but it has been pointed out by the veterinary faculty, in sheep and donkeys. In donkeys they are seen \o have "a head and a mouth. There is a remarkable instance of ibis to be secniV'Spkriitie" wiiose knowledge ia clouded and made useless by evil humours, of vanity and pique. To be thoroughly master of an | art, one ought to know many standards i in art, and many types in moral chti racier, and to understand .morality in its literal souse. The want of.t'.-fs id tl c result of want of knowledge either of the given object, or else of tlie other objects of the same class with which it would be proper to compare it. " Splenetic asserts, with a boldness transgressing the bounds of "modesty and decorum, though not very pointedly to an identical issue,- that, two notorious members of the Mount Benger community whom, in the generosity of his nature, he graciously designate*, the " hard swearers, "and moreover hints at perjury &c. This abominable" bravado is wholly based on faleehood, ; and intended to intimidate certain partice. A coup fe grace, with a view to. defend the defencelesfl "Fidus." But let him rest assured, that no answer in the affirmative will, at the present, be offered to his negative conclusions, " Splenetic " should have learned in time, the practical application of that little Hebrew parable about the mote and the beam, and discover that he could hare made profitable discoveries studies of genuine wickedness at home; without the cost and peril of a journey to the metropolitan "jug." Making every allowance for insidious exaggeration, 1 must tell " Splenetic " in the language of the *' Times," that he is a social pest. I say this* advisedly because, he being cognizant of the fact (according to his own allegations), he ought to have directed a prosecution for perjury against the parties at once, if he puts himself forward as a corrector of abuses ; type of morality, forsooth !- he can very easily divest himself of this obnoxious libel on morality. Licentious, of course, any .man must be, who falsely and maliciously publishes 1 of his fellow creatures words, charging them with an offence punishable by the crnniuui law. But he must bear in mind that personal wrongs have their legal remedies. . " Splenetic " writes with, equal levity of a certain magistrate who has eminently distinguished himself in this district, for his unbending rectitude and legal ability: virtues which even " Splenetic " himeelf, failed to discover in his predo' essaor J. GK (judge of geese) My. dear sir, it is the peculiar beauty of this personality that,- as the names cannot be revealed at present, the discussion may give a great deal of annoyance to a number of private friends," whilst yiolding a very feeble satisfaction to the lovers of scandal ; and being totally unsatiafaetory to those who wish for argument, it thus gives the maximum of vexation especially to | "Fidus" aud "Splenetic," with a | minimum of amußenient to "Tour own I correspondent." If " Fidus, " and; " Splenetic," and " Horae Shoe Bend " and " Looker On " (if there are many more I must apply to the authorities for protection for my personal safety, and grant a commission against " Fidua " and " Splenetic " for lunacy), are not sufficiently poßted in the principles of discussion, and cannot u*e more legitimate weapons than to ta!;e nnd throw dirt and stones, I must challenge them to a final issue, which, will make it all the more necessary for bystanders to enforce as much atten-. lion as possible to the fair rales of the game. But who is the writer c.f the letter signed " Horse Shoe Bend ?" I It must be a certain fanatic ef the Judas type Scire Facias, giving heed to i seducing spirits, and the slanderous doctrines of " Fidus," who, one would bo inclined to think, could hardly view a development of hia former self without a touch of regret. Who would not laugh if 6uoh a,tnan therfebc; Who would not weep if Saul the sou of Kiah were he. Homer, who lived, I believe,, three thousand years ago, Tiated a liar ; he represented human nature then, without the privilege af any divine revelation, and he says : — Who dares think one thing and another tell, My heart detesta him as the gates of lielL Whilst I freely concede to every man what I claim for myself, liberality of thought and freedom o"f expression on any matter tangibly real ; yet I cannot but consider the letter of Saul the" son of Kish, an imposition on truth, an outrage on reason. The general tenor of his letter is contradictory to good sense, and falling short of the great object aimed at. I make boldat once to assert that " Splenetic ", " Horse Shoe Bend," and "Looker On" are a band of deluded sceptics, co-ope-rating with " Fidus," one of the recently appointed J.P.s in the diffu&iori of slander, and noxious opinions, for the purpose of applauding his supposed virtues, by screening his vices. The Eooner " Fidus " becomes a member of the Prevention of Scatfdal Society the better, and begin the practise of some of its laws, which will prepare, him for a better, consideration of the subject. lam &c, Na Fia Ola. , (Tour unfortunate Correspondent.) [We must decline to publish any further communications on this subject. Both, parties have had ample opportunity to state their opinions, and further discussion Would only lead to useless recrimination; — Ed;/ "T. T.-J -