THE ROMAN CATHOLIC PRESBYTERY.

Waikato Times, Volume XVI, Issue 1397, 16 June 1881, Page 3

THE ROMAN CATHOLIC PRESBYTERY.

TO THE EDITOR. Sir, — I see by a local in your paper of the 9th you give Father Luck all the credit of building the Roman Catholic Presbytery. As it is liable to mislead the general public and bring discredit on me, I ask you to give me a small space in your valuable paper for the following facts : — Public tenders having been calleC for the building of the above Presbytery and my tender having been accepted, I immediately set to work. The old residence I shifted back, and laid the foundation of the new building ; I bought timber, employed labor, etc.— the labor, etc., amounting to £37 odd, which amount Father Luck has not yet paid me. I went to Auckland and spent four days there, choosing timber, etc., Father Luck giving me his word as a gentleman, that he would become security for payment of the same. When I informed him that I had got the timber &c, and that his name was required as security, his answer was "No, he could not think of doing such a thing." He asked me for the specifications, I gave them to him, he promising to return them to me the following afternoon, and from that day to this I have not been able to get them. lat last obtained a copy after repeated askings, but whether a correct copy or not, I cannot say as it is not certified. Father Luck then came to the conclusion to do the work him elf, agreeing to pay me for the work and labor done, but when I gave him the amount, he informed me it would have to be settled by arbitration, which I agreed! to. It was agreed to give me £20 instead of the £37 odd, and also pay me for the timber which I aareed to rather than g-> to law. Father Luck then informed me that the timber was included in £20, I then refused to accept that amount (£2O) in lieu of the £30 old, thus the matter stands. I drew what money I had put by for a rainy day to pay labor, ke, aiid ihe only payment as yet is a will shoulder imrt a bad r putation aa a contractor. — I «mi &c , Patrick Muki*hw ■ Hamilton East, June 11. 1881.