REPLY TO MR RETEMEYER.

Wanganui Herald, Volume XII, Issue 3514, 16 September 1879, Page 2

REPLY TO MR RETEMEYER.

TO THE EDITOR.

Sib, — Mr Retemeyer's letter to the; Chronicle ia introduced by recognising' the fact that " the excitement of the election is now over." I would ask what, therefore, is the object of his letter, and. Bee none left but the business injury of myaelf and another member of the BryceBallance Committee, on account of our recent political action. This is an object which perhaps is scarcely as dignified as could be wished at the hands of so distinguished and honored a gentleman. The now famous importation of three spades was a matter with which no one had any, concern. Sir W. Pox has a right to buy his spades wherever he chooses, and it would be an impertinence for any trader to reflect thereon, and what transpired between Mr Moore and myself, in the presence of Mr Bryce, was quite in this spirit. When, however, Sir William's friend's concocted a spiteful story, which he retailed on the hustings, and as it was evident he had committed an electioneering blunder, it was not my part to correct him.

On the prestige of so extensive an importation, Mr Retemeyer speaks with authority on the cost of spades, and states that I pocket 50 per cent profit "on those sold to working men and small farmers." With due deference, I venture to doubt whether he knows either the cost or selling price of spades, and certainly, beyond wishing to convey a vague idea of an immense extortion, he has no knowledge of what fifty per cent means. Perhaps he will recognise his absurdity when, at his figures on my business, my income would be over £25,000 per annum, a princely revenue with which Mr Reteo mere -would not credit me.

He attributes my part in this election to iealousy over the loss of the sale of these three spades. What a blunder I have committed ! to lose, for so small an object, a customer who he correctly says has recently epent £130 at my store ; but as it happens, I have taken a parfc in the district politics for a good many years, and think I am likely to be credited when I say I am not influenced by trade in political matters, but rather in this instance by the ungenerous, nay bitter, conduct of Sir W. Fox towards our townsman, Mr Ballanc9, as member for Hangitikei. The Wanganui electorate extended the greatest courtesy to Mr Fox, a consideration be did not reciprocate. He forgot the circumstances of his last election, and thought he was strong; enough to hound down Mr Baliance and to secure as supporters all the Coast members, and so forced on the conflict in which he was worsted, and it seems also with the further result that I lo3e him as a Guatomer. Certainly two momentous events to be crowded into one day. — I am. &c.,

Jno. Duihib.