AN EXPLANATION. TO THE EDITOR.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 9041, 17 February 1891, Page 4

AN EXPLANATION. TO THE EDITOR.

Sir, — Be your report of the case Hay v. Dettli, kindly grant me space in your valuable paper to draw attention to a portion of the report which I consider tends to retecfc greatly on my character. The report states, evidence was adduced for tbo defence to Bhow that defendant had endeavoured to live at peace with me. From this a reader would infer—first that other evidence than defendant's had been given on this point; and second, that I was almost continually in the habit of annoying defendant. I beg to most emphatically contradict the defendant's statement, and deny that I have annoyed the defendant beyond refusing to give him credit. This annoyed him, and he has sought in various ways to show it. That I acted indiscreetly in the manner in which I addressed an envelope to defendant. I admit and regret having done so; but, Sir, will any right thinking person tako offence at being addressed after themanner in which they, address themselves to the public, by their signboard, whether it be carpenter, wheelwright, carriage painter, &c, or not. Mr Fraser, the defendant's counsel, questioned Mr G. W. Pogson (who was called to give evidence as to defendant's character) as to my character, and that gentleman stated "Very good, indeed," or words to that effect. Trusting that you will kindly insort the above, and thanking you in anticipation,—l am, &0., Middlemarch, February 12. J. Hat. P.S.—I may state I do not intend entering into a newspaper controversy with anyone ou this matter, and beyond this will allow it to. drop.—J. R