THE RAGLAN MAIL CONTRACT.

Waikato Times, Volume XIX, Issue 1630, 14 December 1882, Page 2

THE RAGLAN MAIL CONTRACT.

Our Raglan correspondent writes: — At Mr Powell's farewell dinner, Mr T. ,B. Hill, of Auckland, took occasion to review what had been done in connection with the Raglan, mail contract, and in referring to the action of the residents in Hamilton, Whatawhata, and Raglan, in regard to the raising of the £45 which Mr Sutton required as compensation before he would consent to have his bond for a horseback service cancelled, said it reflected great credit upon them. So successful had, they been in their efforts to do so, that they were in a position that evening to pay the required sum to Mr Sutton, who was then present. To the utter astonishment of all, Mr Sutton then absolutely refused to accept the money, although he had given his word that he would do so, his excuse being that it had been raised and subscribed for by the settlers themselves, and not by the Government, also that he had been told that on Mr Johnson getting the contract he (Mr Johnson) would punish him for his action in regard to the matter by not making his hotel a stopping place. He would now, in spite of everyone, stick to the contract. He would, however promise faithfully in the presence of all there that night that he would run a coach regularly between Hamilton and Raglan for eight months in the year. Mr Johnson denied in toto the accusations made against him by Mr Sutton and stated that he had also determined to run a coach regularly between Hamilton and Raglan, but at the same time he felt much disappointed that he was not likely to receive the mail contract.