HONOUR TO WHOM HONOUR IS DUE.

Waikato Times, Volume XXII, Issue 1852, 20 May 1884, Page 2

HONOUR TO WHOM HONOUR IS DUE.

TO THi: KIHI'OK. Sir. — In a recent Waikato Times Supplement appealed a shoib poem entitled '• Bofctei 'L'hau Gold," with the signature of Rev. Father ltjan. The verses were 111 leality written by Alexander Smart, an Kdinhuigh punter, who was for many yeaia " leader" m the oflico of the Caledonian Meieui}, an old-established newspaper in that city Smart publisoi'. a small volume of poems, including " Better Than Gold," m IS6O I think, and some time dm ing the same year the work was favourably reviewed in the Scotsman newspaper, the leviuwer being the wellknown poetess Isa Craig (now Isa Ciaig Knox), the writer of the prize poem at the Bums' Centenary Festival, at the Ciystal Palace, London. In the review, "Better Than Gold" was quoted, and specially commended for its beauty and pathos. Ha\ ing been personally acquainted with Smait, the appeaiancc in your columns of his beautiful veises gave mo two distinct pangs— the first that poor Smait should be robbed of his fame, and second, that the Rev. Father should ha\ o ho humbly mangled what he so unlawfully apptopnated. I happen to possess a manuscript copy of the piece, and, if you will allow me, shall point out some of Ins impiovements. In the fiist stan /a occuis the line, "A heait that can feel for another's woo," but the Rev. Fat hci has amputated the other half of the couplet, which icads, "And shaie in Ins joy with a fucndly glow." The second line of the fifth stanza, which should lead " Where all the iiicside chanties come," acquires quite a comic air by the Father's skilful substitution of the word " eharaetei & " foi chaiities. And to ciown the atiocity, he altogether omits the last stanza, which, by your land pci mission, yoiu mulcts will find to be the Lest of all :—: — Better than gold in affliction's hour Is the balm of lo\ c w ith its southing pow ci ; Jiettet than gold on a dying bod Is tho hand that pillows a sinking he.id. \Vh»n the pi ide and glory of life dec.iy, Airl <\uth and its vanities fade away. The prostuite sufteier needs not be told That tuist m heaven is butter than void. I am hopeful that youi oulmaiy desiie to gi\p honoiu to whom honoiu is due will be intensified on this occasion, seeing it is a meutoi ions hi other typo who has been wion^ed, and so induce you to find a corner tor this correction.— l am, &c , Wm. Joil>*hTOXE. Ruapuke, May 16th, 1883.