RIDLER'S HOTEL, MERCER.

Waikato Times, Volume IX, Issue 504, 12 August 1875, Page 2

RIDLER'S HOTEL, MERCER.

Sir, — I wish to pat you right in reference to an Auckland telegram which appeared in your issue of the 3rd msUnf, stating that the late lamented Judge Beokham " coarracte I bronchitis at Mercer, where he slept in damp sheets." So far from thu b -ing tho case he complained on hi 3 arrival of pains m tho back, and in various parts of the body, the result of * cold «. aught at Mamilton, but, wita this exception, saeraed in his usuil health, and sat up until about ten o'clock, chatting with five or six gentleman, who are willing t:> give fieir testimony that lie distinctly stated in their hearing that his cold was caught at Hamilton. At about ton o'chck he had a glass of toddy and retired. On t l ie following morning, he expreised himself as feeling better and entirely satisfieJ with the attention s.'iewn him, and aUo with his night's lodging, so much so, indeed, th-it he told Mrs Ridler, "that as ho would bo passing through Mercer several times during the course of the year he should always call at her house, and would let her know a day or two beforehand, in order that she might be able to reserve private apirtments for him To Constable Liinmer he also spoke in terms of praise of tho management of Mr Ri iler'9 Hotol, anJ of the way he hai hem treitel during his stay there. As such a report as that in your paper is calculated to do a man in Mr Ridler' s position a great deal of harm, and as it is altogether contrary to facts, I think it is only f.i'r that it should receive a fill and distinct contradiction, especially when, as I said before, there are at least half a doz n re rectable geiifclrmen resident in Mercer, who are willing to testify, if necessary, to the truth of my stifceta->nt. Trusting that, \n tho inteiest of truth andjl'tur play, you will give tins publicity. — I am, &c , 000 V-<IONAL COKBESPONDENT. Merer, August 9th, 1875.