"A POSER FOR MR M'COMBS."

Star (Christchurch), Issue 10302, 6 November 1911, Page 2

"A POSER FOR MR M'COMBS."

* TO THIS EDITOB. Sir, Under the above heading my political opponents have attempted to discredit me by attacking my private and family life. Thoy ask why did Mr M'Comba, with his wife and family, stav at the Grown Hotel, Timaru, in preference "to a private boaraing-lious<i? I feel inclined to answer that th© private acts of my wife and family and myself aro my own business and that impertinences of the kind are not worth notice. ,■ But as I am dealing with unscrupulous people, who do not mind hitting below the belt or drawing my wife and little ones into a politioal controversy, I shall meet this attack by simply stating the facts. 1 was motoring through to Waimato and was delayed by bad weather arid swollen streams. The car got stuck in a stream tliis side of Timaru and the chauffeur had to wad® into the icy cold water to get it oui. As a result he was severely chilled and we pulled up at the first publio accommodation house and parage wo came to, in order tli at he might seoure a change of clothing and warm himself. I am not opposed to the accommodation business of tho hotels, but if any publicans do not desire to cater fof the travelling publio and desire to boyoott total abstainers and prohibition* ists they can post notices to that effect) outside their houses. The publio will then know which hotels are merely, drinking dens.—l am, etc., J. M'COMBS. Christchurch, November 4.