MIMIC THUNDER LITERATURE.

Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume I, Issue 96, 16 March 1881, Page 4

MIMIC THUNDER LITERATURE.

TO THE EDITOB OF THE STAB.

Sib, — In your report of the Ngaire Road Board meeting, in last issue, you apply the following phrase to my conduct — "hurled charges right and left," "objected in very strong language" " further very strong expressions with regard to the foreman of works," "reiterated his charge," ■"spoke in very strong terms," "again spoke in very strong terms," et cetera, ad infinitum. Sir, you have certainly taken up a very decided attitude, but you would considerably fortify your position, and favor me at the same time, oy stating, specifically, what were the expressions which warrant you in describing my language after that fashion. I did not apply the term "a pliant tool" to the foreman of works, though I said 4 * Of course, the chairman had nothing to do with this. It was not at all necessary whilst there was a pliant foreman of works who knew his friends."

Sir, I have learnt what constitutes Parliamentary language and usages in higher schools than any of the local governing bodies of New Zealand at the present time, and if I had not I should not consider it advisable to accept the Stab as my tutor therein. I know how to be severe without being scurrilous, if the Stab does not ; and as to the time when it is expedient to be severe, and as to the degree of severity that is necessary, I am not disposed to accept the dictum of the Stab, because I am fully aware " how trifling is its trust." Sir, you refer to the condition of affairs in the Board as between the other members and myself. You state what "feeling is pretty general amongst them ;" also, what " they plainly state" concerning me ; that I have alienated them by my conduct at the Board, &c. When did this alienation commence ? Can you mention any rupture previous to the scene —which was truly a seene — that took place at the meeting before last, after the reading of minutes passed at a meeting of three members, two of whom, the Chairman and Mr. Quin, are not ratepayers of the district, and the third, Mr. Hawke, being on the boundary, when the members, despite

argument, remonstrance, or protest on my part, weto determined to confirm such minutes, embodying the apportionment of the whole of the funds payable to the Board, up to them, -until finally the threat of exposure on my part, and my consent to the basis of apportionment, deterred them? And your own " alienation," Sir, I suppose, was not in any degree influenced by the fact that your reporter had advised this unprecedented course at that private meeting.

Sir, when a gentleman becomes

alienated from other gentlemen auyhow, and, when in the performance of his duty, still further alienation may appear possible, it is natural that he should desire — nay, require — some other place of discussion than under

the roof of one of those gentlemen, and gentlemen would regard the request in a proper light. A gentleman also would naturally abstain from adding to his other arguments

nor removal the singular position [which himself occupied of having no seat ; but gentlemen would have been

[conscious of the "terrible infliction" of his being reduced to the necessity (after his request had been refused)

>f sitting for four hours and a half

on the edge of a half-inch board — of the still worse infliction on a previous occasion of sitting on a stove, whilst the foreman of works occupied the chair which (perhaps) had been intended for him. What " the feeling that is pretty general" amongst perbohs who have no such moral perceptions may be, a gentleman will always be unconcerned about.

I do not intend this as a final reply to your manifold onslaughts upon me in your last issue, as I scarcely think you would deyote half your paper to my annihilation, had there been no deeper object in view, but I trust to find insertion for my next in a paper which reaches upper Ngaire. — I am, &c,

R. O'DONOVAN.