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English (ATL)

Wairoa

Sep 12/72



My dear Sir

A circumstance came to my knowledge some time ago and I have very much wished to write to you about it but did not like doing so during the time you were in office, I may do so now without fear of misinterpretation. I refer to a report which reached you a little before the resignation of the "Stafford" ministry to the effect that a Public meeting had been held at the Wairoa at which I was the Chairman and that opinions were given favourable to Mesrs. Richmond and others of that Ministry and unfavourable to yourself to which sentiment I acquiesced thinking the power of the ministry was in the ascendant. I merely write now to disabuse your mind of such an impression, and I most positively assert that if any such meeting took place at the Wairoa that I was not present. The only meeting I ever was present at was one called by Arthur Luke and myself to concert temporary measure of defence for the Township during the time of an expected raid of Te Kootis, at which meeting to a certain extent I took a leading part in, as might have been expected from the position I held at the time, but you may imagine how extremely improbable it is that any politics could have been brought forward at such a time. If such a report or anything at all resembling it ever reached you I can easily guess from whom it arose and I take this opportunity of telling you that I never upon any occasion publicly or privately animadverted upon your conduct as a public man.

I should consider myself worse than ungrateful to have been guilty of so doing considering the many kindnesses I have received as your hands, and I trust this letter will disabuse your mind of any such idea. I should be glad to hear from you in answer to this when you can find a spare minute to drop me a line. In the mean time

I am my dear Sir
very truly yours
S. Deighton.