MR COTTON EXPLAINS.

Waikato Times, Volume XXII, Issue 1800, 19 January 1884, Page 2

MR COTTON EXPLAINS.

♦_ TO THE EDITOR. Sir, — As my name has of late been before the public in The Waikato Times, I think it is only right that I should say a few words in self-defence. About a month ago I met the Rev. John Dukes, and when he heard that I had just left the Romish Church, he invited me to his house for a few days. I accepted his invitation. He then wished me to make a public renunciation of Romanism, and to expose the con* fessional. He also wished me to join the Wesleyan Church, and offer myself at the forthcoming Conference at Wellinrton as a candidate for the ministry. I refused to do so. He then told me that I was not sincere, and tried to make out that I was an im poster. These facts were proved before two Justices of the Peace at Raglan on the Ist January. Mr Dukes did not request me to leave his house, but I told him that I would not stay with him. Since that I time I have had to put up with a pretty warm persecution at the hands of the WesJeyan body. I have obtained several situations, but have been compelled to leave , them on account of what Mr Dukes has written to the papers.— l am, &o. „ , " ' J Clement Cotton. 16th January, 1884. „- •' . ■■,-,.

A steer straying on the farm of MrDiproie Tatitvhare, is advertised. > , > - 1 The Public Works Department invite tenders for the Newmarket .workshops, contract No. 2. Specifications and general conditions may be seen at the Post Office, Hamilton. It js notified that Mr Thomas Macfiarlane-has v '! been appointed creditors' trustee in the bankrupt estate of John Evans, carpenter, »f Cambridge. The attention of owners of dogs in the Wai-