LICENSED HOUSES AND BONA FIDE TRAVELLERS.

{To the Editor.')

Sir, — In answer to Mr FitzGibbon's letter of to-day's issue, if Mr F.G. would only state the whole conversation between us, things might then be better understood. Mr F.G. asked me if he could stop here CNewmarket Hotel), and before he gave me time to answer him said he might wish to stop three or four days, or perhaps a month, and that he was working for Mr Kerr, road overseer, as a day laborer. lat once told him I did not take in boarders, and as I had a large family the whole of the work was done between ourselves, and that we were irregular in getting meals, which wonld not suit him as a laboring man. I suggested that he might stop at the Racecourse Hotel, the property belonging to me.

As for his being a traveller, he might be ; but not as a Licensing Bench would take it. I can only say lam and always was most happy to see any travellers, whether known or otherwise. Mr F.G. did not appear to be very sore footed in the morning, and his walk from my house to the Maori pah should not have been an extra hard day's work. I think, from the general hospitality of the Maoris, that they would not allow Mr Licensed Native Interpreter to go away hungry. In conclusion, I can only say that if anyone calls on me as a traveller, I shall be only too happy to provide them with all the accommodation the Licensing Act requires ; but they must be prepared, you know, Mr Editor, to " ante up." I am, &c, John Ellis. Newmarket Hotel, Arahura, September 22.