SLANDER AND FALSEHOOD.

Clutha Leader, Volume V, Issue 236, 17 January 1879, Page 6

SLANDER AND FALSEHOOD.

TO THE EDITOR. Sir, — I received the annexed extraordinary effusion some time ago, but considered it best to keep it private, and say ' nothing about it, believing that by adopting that course the author would the sooner afford evidence of his identity. I am now glad to say the reptiles, for there are two of them, have in more ways than one unmistakeably exposed themselves, and I therefore would feel obliged by your publishing the anonymous letter. As to the reference to myself personally, and my conduct, I am happy to say I can afford to treat these with the contempt they deserve: How difficult a matter it is to procure legal proof of fire-raising is too well known, but you are well aware that in many cases there has been a full moral conviction as to who originated the fire, and also the motive. There often are many detached little circumstances, all pointing in one direction, which only can be accounted for by a particular person being the guilty one, but yet these circumstances may not amount to legal proof. With reference to the burning of my property, there have been so many such circumstances that it is impossible for me not to entertain a very strong conviction as to who the originators were. In the meantime you will observe the writer of the annexed letter of " slandering and falsehood " attempts to throw the guilt upon *' poor old Frank," who, it is well known throughout the district, was away at Waitepeka when the fire occurred, and knew nothing about it. Why does the writer thus wish to throw the public off the scent ? This question can have only one answer — viz., because he was himself the fire-raiser. How cowardly ancl unmanly therefore to attempt to criminate poor Willie ih the eyes of the public, simply to screen himself ! This is another little circumstance that loads 4;o the same conclusion, and one upon which the public will incline to place some weight. — lam, &c. Alex. M'Leod M*Vica». Maxfield, Puorua. The following is the letter referred to :— ' * Clutha, June. " Sir, — I would like to say a few words upon, a subject which has caused a great deal of talk in the district, namely the slanderous report which you have been circulating lately in connection with the fire. What your object can be in thus casting suspicion upon a man whose character is above dispute, and who, as every one knows would scorn to commit such a cowardly act, is known only to yourself. Others can only conjecture. The general opinion seems to be that having some grudge against him, you are thus trying to avenge yourself by casting a slur upon his character ; or else being ashamed to acknowledge 'that, ''old Frank" has got the best of it you are attempting to screen him and throw suspicion on an unoffending neighbour. In any case it is mean and unmanly, ancl the insult has been not to lower his character (as -would seem to be your drift), but rather to raise it in the estimation of those around him, while on the other hand, you have lost a place in the good opinions of your neighbours, which no amount of soft talk and handshaking, will ever win back again. I have heard a great deal said about it by many different parties, and in every instance I find that the sympathy ivhich would have been yours in your misfortune (had you held your peace and told fewer falsehoods), has been completely transferred to the neighbour whom you have been trying so heartlessly and so maliciously to ' injure. Truly in this case you have fallen into the pit which you dug for another. Happily for yourself your neighbours for most part, are quiet and unobtrusive, else I make no doubt you would have heard of this before. This, however, does not prevent them discussing the subject, and passing their private opinion. At all events, the temptation not to let you. slip has proved too great for "One WHO HATES " Slandering and Falsehood."