A FALSE CHARGE.

West Coast Times, Issue 792, 7 April 1868, Page 2

A FALSE CHARGE.

TO THE EDITOE OF THE WEST COAST TIMES. Sib — As I know you are a lover of fair play, as well as of law and order, I hope you will do me the favor of publishing the following. On being introduced to Mr Shaw, the Mayor of HoMtika, in Bevell street, or rather introducing myself; on hearing my name mentioned, he politely told me in the presence of a gentleman, that I was charged with intent to shoofc him, and that ,he wished to have a look at me. I took it as a joke, thinking as any reasonable man would, that I would be the last person that he would wish to look upon ; but sir, I found it was no joke, and I must say, sir, in justice to Mr Shaw, while in conversation with him on the subject, some two hours after that he stated that I lie cowardly charge had been under the notice of the Government, but as the alleged remark was spoken two months ago, it was concluded it must then be a joke. Sir, however. I may differ from Mr Shaw in politics, I would smite to the ground the arm of the assassin that would dare to lift it against the life of a fellow creature ; this is no idle boast on my part, as I presume some of the oldest and most respectable inhabitants of Hokitika will bear testimony. Sir, I hope you will excuse the liberty I take in troubling you with a matter of so little public importance, but to me, as an individual, it is of the utmost importance. I am, &c., Peter Griffin, Painter, Eevell street. Hokitika, April 6, 1868.