MR GODBER AND THE CATHOLIC CHURCH.

Evening Post, Volume LXIV, Issue 117, 13 November 1902, Page 2

MR GODBER AND THE CATHOLIC CHURCH.

1 2Tie following correspondence was read by Mr ' Godber at his meeting yesterday evening fit the Sydney-street School3i'lJovembsr, ,1902.— T0 His Grace Archbishop Redwood.— Reverend Sir,— I cxtiemely regret that you were unable to see me -thifl afternoon as I wished to contradict certain false btotements that have been circulated that reflect upon my personal character. The- taght Hon. the Premier informed me last night that it had been stated to, and believed by, a large number of the members ot your Church that I had taken the chair assisted one "Slattery" at his meetings here some time since, also that I hM given my countenance to another of that class recently; and in consequence of such misstatements not only my character but my business had suffered. I beg to assure you on my honour that it is absolutely false in every particular, for I never was present at any of their meetings nor countenanced them in any way. I have neither time nor sympathy for such mountebanks. .. As a matter of fact, my sympathies are in the other direction, as a proof of which J have in my employ twelve who are members of your Church, two of whom I have such confidence in that they, have the iun of the cash in my establishment, and«P\ani sure they would bear testimony in my v , favour. I have only to add that, although I am a candidate for ' Parliament," I .am ' not writing this for electioneering .purposes, bat to clear my character,- which X value more than everything else, feeling, sure yoirwill believe the word, of an-honour-able man and make known that I. contrar dist those statements.— -I am, . Reverend Sir, faithfully yours, James Godbfir. Wanganui, 7th November, 1902.— Mr. James Godber, Wellington.—^Dear Sir— I am sorry that stress of .business "con-j nected with my departure for Wanganui rendered me unable to see you on tho sth instant. In regard to the misstatements referred to in your letter of the fath instant, I beg to say that no one ever informed me that you had taken the chair for one Slattery at his meetings or that you had countenanced any other of that class. I fully believe you when, on- your honour, you declare to me in the aforesaid letter that- such charges are false in every particular. If I hear such charges against you I shall contradict them absolutely. — I am, dear sir, yours faithfully, T Francis Redwood, S.M., Archbishop of Wellington.