Dear Sir,—Will you kindly favor me with space in your valuable paper to contradict a prevalent notion in the village of Netherbury, and also a statement amongst the “Topics of the Week” of the 27th ult., respecting the subscriptions given to recoup the losses sustained by the sufferers through the late fire in the aforesaid village, by a few very kind and thoughtful friends, with the express purpose, I understand, being equally distributed. This, I regret to say, has not been done. One of the greatest losers, yea. I believe, the greatest loser, viz., Mr. Hodder, has not received any of the collected help although a loser in more ways than one ; loss by fire (some valuable things completely destroyed, and some partially), loss of things by pilfering after being saved by very kind friends at the risk of their lives, and loss in trade ; not to mention the anxiety, trouble, and ill-health as consequential results. I do think, the Vicar might have at least offered Mr Hodder (to show their was no ill-feeling) a share even if he declined to accept. His reverence not only left this part out, but the churchwarden actually called upon him not as people conjectured, to give him a share, but to ask for an annual subscription for the church, whilst in such a predicament. If I were Mr, Hodder, I should in a measure feel very independent ; In fact, honoured, regarding the affair, for no one can justly say “Oh ! well ! they had a part and did not need it.” Still it is fair that people should know, he was not a recipient. There are others not satisfied. Had it been the Vicar’s personal gift he, of course, could do as he chose, but even then, if I may be permitted to say, would be wise to exhibit partiality, being Minister of the Gospel? The chief recipient was the one through whom the catastrophe occurred, who should have known the foul state of his chimney, which was the cause of some losing their wordly all, for had the chimney been right this would not have happened. Again, the principal receiver was the first housed, and who in doing so turned out aged woman who had been a tenant for some twenty years, and then joked about It. Where’s the golden maxim “Do as you would be done by.” ? Gone to the winds I fear. Fearing I am trespassing on your time and space, I beg to remain Dear Sir, Yours Truly “A Subscriber and believer In SUUM CUIQUE TRIBUTO.”
[Regarding our remarks in Topics of the week,” we may state that our informant is a highly- respected resident of Netherbury whom we have always found perfectly reliable. In reference to our correspondent’s charge of unfairness against the Vicar, we should point out that we were careful state that the money awarded to the sufferers by the fire was not distributed by the Vicar alone but by him and a committee, and we were given to understand that the amounts were apportioned according to necessities of the individual cases. However, as our correspondent appears to be dissatisfied we think it only right that the matter should be ventilated, and shall be glad to give the Vicar or any member of the committee an opportunity of making any statement in reply,—ED. B.N.]
