Mr Ferguson’s Version.

Southland Times, Issue 12767, 28 November 1893, Page 4

Mr Ferguson’s Version.

TO THE EDITOB. Sir _An old proverb says “ silence is golden,” but there are some occasions on which we might parody.the adage and say “ silence is ridiculous.” Ke the truth of Mi Hatch's remarks at a late public meetingMr Hatch was in my shop two or three weeks ago, and I said, casually—after mentioning that all political meetings in the theatre had to be paid for in advance— How the dickens is it that all the tern* perance people are always so hard up ’ They boast of their frugality and the amount they save by not drinking, and yet they not only leave the balance due to theatre from Mr Isitt’s visit (in June) unpaid, but Mr Baxter, as secretary, refuses to pay for Sir B. Stout’s lecture until they get some funds. Mow, Mr Baxter knows that I (have to render my monthly account by the 10 th of every month ‘to the proprietor, yet all the satisfaction l’get io—" 0, you will have to wait for your money,” although he knows my orders are imperative to have all moneys in by the 10th. On my third and last application for the rent, last week, I was coolly told, “0, you are better able to beard the lion (meaning the proprietor) than we are.” I say, and I say again, as Mr Isitt, who was pastor in the Wesleyan Chapel here some years ago, said to a friend of mine : that it is the meanness of the temperance people that is one of the chief hindrances to lheir cause. Further, I positively contradict the Rev. Mr Taylor and Mr Baxter’s explanation of the bargain for the ‘theatre on Mr Isitt’s visit last June. When these gentlemen called, on me about engaging the theatre, I looked up my books and saw what they had been charged before. I mentioned a price, I think it was Lio, for six nights. Mr Baxter haggled a bit, and I said as the meetini's were not long and they would not use much gas, I would let them have the five nights at 50s per night, which makes Ll2 10°, and the Sunday, being a very short meeting after church, I would let them have for 30s, which makes Ll 4 in all. Mr Baxter wanted me to give the Sunday for nothing, I said I positively could not do such a thing, as 1 would be exceeding my powers altogether. The conversation ended there. I marked the dates they wanted and also the price (Ll 4 in my note book (as. anyone can see if they like) before they left the shop, which is a rule I always stick to. M hen 1 got the cheque from Mr Baxter for Mr Isitt’s visit, 1 told him it was 30s short, and he must stick to the bargain. He said :• “ Well, wc have no funds just now : you will have to wait until we get some funds, which remark is, I think, in the opinion of any reasonable person a sufficient acknowledgment of the debt. These are the true facts of the case. This is the first time I have had to go to the public press to justify myself, and I hope it will be the last. I am, &c., Alex. Ferguson, Agent for Theatre Royal.