ARTICLED CLERKS.

Tuapeka Times, Volume III, Issue 111, 24 March 1870, Page 5

ARTICLED CLERKS.

(To the Editor of the Tuapeka Times.}

Sir,— -T perceive in your issue of last week a letter with the above heading, 'in which the writer, Mr. John Copland, appears to wish to set the public against two gentlemen who have for a long time past successfully conducted a large portion, of the legal business of this district ; I refer, of course, to. Mr v Keen and Mr % Mouat. Mr, Copland's letter is, so faras motive is concerned, so transparent s& to need no comment from me or any one, else on that head ; but as it contains, misstatements so gross as to. render that name for them quite an act of courtesy, I think it right to say a little about tha matter, and in the cause of truth I look to you to insert this letter. I was present in Court when Mr. Simpson referred to, the presence of a solicitor in the district, and I give to all 3lr. Copland's statements an unqualified denial. The Magistrate did not say anything that Mr. Copland states that he said ; and, seeingthat Mr. Copland was present at the time,. I am utterly at a loss to imagine how he has contrived to write you the letterwhich he has done. I write this, Mr^ Editcr, because having heard what took place, and having known both Mr. Keen and Mr Mount for several yearsj I think it more than unjust for false ideas about their position to be sent forth. The public will, I doubt not, judge, and that property, as to the right or wrong of the. \ matter. So long as the truth is told, well and good ; but w.hen a man who, at all events ought to be a scholar, if not a. gentleman, resorts to such meau3 as Miv Copland has done, in order to obtain a. cheap advertisement, to the detriment of gentlemen who have possessed the confidence of the community for a number- of years, I think it is lime for some one to step in and testify to the dignity of truth t against falsehood. — I am, &c, Justice.