WHO TOLD THE TRUTH.

Manawatu Times, Volume V, Issue 136, 23 April 1881, Page 3

WHO TOLD THE TRUTH.

TO THE EDITOR. SIR,—Last week I was sued by Mr. Hawkins, one of the legal luminaries of Palmerston, for £3 15s 6d, professional services alleged to have been rendered in appearing for license at Foxton. I distinctly affirmed that that gentleman had never appeared for me at Foxton, but that he had applied for a license for me at the Feilding Court. Mr. Hawkins, in support of his case swore that he never appeared for me at Feilding, but that it was at Foxton, and to substantiate his case added railway costs to and from Foxton. Now, Sir, to show the reliability (?) of that gentleman's statements, I extract from, the Feilding Guardian of June 5, 1880, the following report:— "AWA HURI HOTEL. " Mr. Samuels, applicant. " Mr. Hawkins for applicant, who explained the reason of no hotel building being in existence, it having been destroyed by fire, business being carried on in a temporary building erected on the section. Immediate settlement with the insurance agents were made, and an architect was employed to prepare plans for a new building with superior accommodations to the former ones. "The applicant stated that the insurance companies had paid £1,400 out of the £2500. The new building was to cost £1,200. The insurance companies had paid £900 towards the former building. " After some consideration, the Chairman stated that the Court is of opinion that a licensed house at Awa Huri is not a necessity, and therefore it had determined not to grant a license there." It is quite evident that Mr. Hawkins had some dim recollection of appearing somewhere for an application for a license for the Awa Huri Hotel, and to prove his case added railway fare to and from Foxton. If the legal gentleman's memory is so defective he should be more careful, and not economise the truth. They say economisers of the truth should have a good memory. I hope the gentleman will profit by it, as such acts do not tend to raise the profession. Mr. Hawkins' oaths, are perhaps like his advice. However, Mr. Editor, you can judge for yourself. Magna est vertias, et proevalebit. — I am, &c., M. K. Samuels. Awa Huri, April 16, 1881.