Correspondence.

Tuapeka Times, Volume VII, Issue 361, 3 June 1874, Page 2

Correspondence.

WARDED SIMPSON AND THE RIGNEY PETITION. {To the Editor.)

Sib, — It is, I believe, pretty generally known that during the Mexican War, the least successful of the American generals invariably received the largest amount of newspaper praise. This was accomplished by what was known as keeping an editor in pay. Until recently, I did not suspect that this system had been introduced in Otago, although I confess that I am somewhat sceptical on the point since reading the comments of the Mount Benger correspondent of the " Evening Star " on the petition which I have had presented to the Government in reference to Warden Simpson. The writer of that communication was the first person to whom I mentioned my intention cf having the Warden's conduct inquired into. He recommended me to do so, and also expr >s?ed his intention of calling public attention to it ; and, on a later occasion, assured me that he had done so by writing to the Mining Conference, then sitting at Clyde, to the Ttjapeka Times, and to the ''Southern Meraury." His assertions, with respect to tho claim, disagreement, &c, are well-known to be a tissue of falsehood from beginning to end. There are just two points to which I shall refer. He says — " Private matters were introduced." This proves the truth of the second complaint wherein I charge the Warden with putting questions not beariijg on the ease at issue." Again, he states that I asked him to manufacture a report of the case. This is like his other assertions — untrue. When I decided on demanding an inquiry, I wrote to him asking if he had taken' notes of the case, and to send them to me ; or, if not, could he write out anything like a correct report from memory, as I then considered ifc might assist me in preparing the petition. This is what he calls — " manufacturing a report." I also asked if he would be willing to give evidence; and mentioned incidentally that, in such cases, the Government bore the expense!, which I belietfTis tho usual course. I think I also mentioned that many persons in the district wishei me to apply for an inquiry, and I beliove I gave several names ; but of this lam not certain. I may also state that I wrote to Mr. Ireland, saying that if any objection should be raised to the* inquiry o;i the ground of expense, he should reeommenrl that the evidence might be^taken on the spot by appointing some one to collect it. From this it will be seen that I anticipated him in his desire to prevent any waste of public money. I can only account for his having written the communication in question under the impression that any person in this quarter would never hear of it ; and were it not that from a love of" justice you published it, it never would be heard of, as from

what I cgn learn, bo muck as ajJUjgh^gopy o| the " Evening^tar "* nevejp' tfp^pearedPui tlij locality yet.. I hare neither leisure not inclination to enter into a jgri-fari on the subject, whicS, tracer jany'circum. stances) -would do no godd. . $ofar fifem get ting Up evidence, I may state that there wer< fifteen names appended to the petitiqn T 6f pen sons whom I wished might be cabled j and out of this numbar, I; only meniioned th» affair to three. \ I merily 'made^faujfctfries ai to who were in Oourt/andr-Trjfhonyßo jgtyl as calling on them, I appended their names fcehng qijite satisfied that their love of jag tice would impel them to come forward, as I am % t}irite certain they will do ; and with several of them I have never in my life exchanged a single word. After the publicity which has been given to the matter," if is to Warden Simpson's interest to demand an in. quiry ; and if he does not, then I can onlj come to one conclusion, that is — That he ii afraid. — I am, &c, W. Signet. Horseshoe Bend, May 29.