THE REV. MR MATHER AND THE PARLIAMENTARY UNION.

Waikato Argus, Volume I, Issue 38, 6 October 1896, Page 3

THE REV. MR MATHER AND THE PARLIAMENTARY UNION.

TO THE KIHTOR. Silt, —In the columns of your issue of the Ist inst., there was a letter signed " Moderator," addressed to the Rev. J. J. Mather, inquiring of him if lie made certain invidious remarks regarding the distribution of Charitable Aid in the WVkato district. Mr Mather's reply, which appealed in your hsuc of Saturday, is a mere shufll ng of the question which does not concern any single individual, but the who'e community in the Wnikato. It is alleged that the statement was made by the rev. cleric in his c.ip-.ciiy as Leader of the Liberal party at the last meeting of the Purl'amintary Union. If so, thin it is public property, and Mr Mather has no right to withhuld information as to whit becomes of the ratepayers' mono-y, who are heavily taxed for the support of paupers. It is, therefore, the duty of the Charitable Aid Board to make ths fullest icqui y into the matter, and in the event of Mr Mather failing to prove his charges, to institute legal proceedings against him for slander. If on the other hand, be proves his statements to the satisfaction of the Charitable Aid Board, tluy will know bow to deal with the de inquents better than I can h.f rui then. My impression is that if the assert'on was made as alleged, it was s.tid with the view to diaw down f:.c anger of the community upon the publicans, who are in the ina'n a most respcotab'e boby of citizens, and who have been banassed and annoyed by prohibition water spout-, that it's a wonder they are i\'t all drowned by such a delude of vituperation as has met them within the past few years. Yon, Mr Editor, as well as year readers, will, I have, ro doubt, agree with me when I assert that the came of truth can never lie advanced by the hesdloug reckli ssness of vituperation, ar.d this is the only wc-.pon that the parsons in general rc.-o.t to, but more especially so that sect to which Mr Mather belongs. 1 shall say no more on this head, leaving the Charita' le A'd Board to sift the matter, in tin y are 1 mind in duty to the lati payers to do, being the trustees of their money. Thanking yen Mr Ed tor in anticipation of its publication.—l am, etc., Reginald B. Fitzpatbick Caml ridge to tiu; editor. Sm, —I think it is but justice to the Waikato Hospital end Clr.irit.iblc Aid Board, and one to the ratepayers, to state in connection with the above th.it there is not a single case upon the Board's books where the recipient of charitable aid gets lis or her relief in cash. In every case orders only are given to storekeepers in the various townships to supply necessaries to the amount voted by the Hoard from time to time. In the ease of casual relief the same method Is pursued, rations being given. I hope that this authoritative nntemtiit will bo a sufficient answer to the reckless charge, by ulii ni.si.ever made, that any part of tlie charitable aid administered in this district finds its way over the bar of the public-house.— Vouts truly, C. J. V.'. Bakto.v, Secretary Waiknto Hospital and Charitable Aid Board.