LATE ENTERTAINMENT AT STRATFORD. TO THE EDITOR.

Taranaki Herald, Volume XXXIX, Issue 8791, 29 May 1890, Page 2

LATE ENTERTAINMENT AT STRATFORD. TO THE EDITOR.

Sir,— As jour Stratford and Ngaire correspondent could find it in his heart to do nothing better than write about our entertainment for the Bush Fire Sufferers' Fund in a most contemptuous manner, I would say for the information of my friends in and around New Plymouth that his statements are flatly denied by two newspaper reporters ; by die frequent demonstrations of appreciation at the entertainment, and by the voluntary and personal testimony of many that were present. Surely some of these at least are as capable of judging as he is, and, moreover, they were present to judge for themselves. I don't know this particular scribe, but a good number that have spoken to me about his treatment of the affair do, and after hearing their estimate of him and his doings in the past, I should not have thought it worth while to write, were it not for the fact that many outside of Stratford who don't know him might have been misled by his scurrilous remarks. How is it that in the hour of distress that nothing was done by the "wealth of talent " he refers to, when in New Plymouth and elsewhere so much was done so promptly and generously, especially when Stratford people were under such peculiar obligations to help. Either tbe " wealth of talent " referred to was mythical, or those possessing it were shamefully callous ; I leave your correspondent on the horns of this dilemma.

The people in Stratford tell me that if I had made the entertainment secular instead of sacred, and brought in "wealth of talent " to take a prominent part, all would have been well. Eulogies bright and glowing would have rained down upon me in gorgeous profusion. — I am, &c, J. Clover.