Correspondence.

Wanganui Herald, Volume III, Issue 501, 9 January 1869, Page 2

Correspondence.

TO THE EDITOR OP THE EVENING HRRAT.T)

Wanganui, Jan. 7, 1869,

Sir, —In this evening's paper is a letter from D.8., proposing a subscription for a rifle prize for the A. C. at Westmere, and generously tendering his quota thereto. Whilst approving of D.B.s liberality, I decidedly'disapprove of his scheme, and think his benevolence is misdirected. If the A.' C. (supposed to be fighting our battles) require the stimulus of a prize, let them raise .a fund amongst themselves for such. We in Wanganiii have enough to do with our surplus funds—if any—without contributing on behalf of men well paid by Government (which can't, by the way, pay the police officer's widow fty Wellington the few pounds due to her late husband) for doing nothing, at present, but annoy the poor unfortunate farmers in the neighbouihood. Sir, I would sooner give my £l to Robinson, of the fire brigade, or to any other unfortunate and deserving person, than subscribe as proposed by well-meant D. B. .

Mat. Val,

P.S. —I cannot help adding that it seems to me a huge pity'—pro bono patrias—that the hundreds of men stationed in idleness cannot be employed in making roads. The Stafford Ministry, which squander such heaps of money on useless Kupapa cavalry, and empty, paltry Booths, &c, might reasonably afford the road-makers an extra trifle of pay.' _*_

THE CASE OF MADAME RACHEL

It is the intention of the solicitor who defended Madame Rachel at the recent trial to take,steps to obtain a writ of error, not on account of the summing-up of Mr Commissioner Kerr, who tried the case, but for the purpose of testing- his right to sit as a Judge at the Central Criminal at all; and it is stated that the objection is a valid one, and will be sustained. Should this be the result, the immediate release of the prisoner will be effected. A memorial to the Home Secretary, Mr Gathorne Hardy, is in course of preparation, praying- for further enquiry into the the case.