insecurity are like a bankrupt’s stock, too numerous to mention. I say again that vile and unfounded charges have been made. ‘S. Leonardensis’ asks Why do so many societies fail? Why? One reason is because such as he and Mr. Hume won’t let them alone, but will set up others in opposition, and the young men of the place are not strong enough to support so many. [Strange logic, seeing that no societies in opposition had been set up, and that Mr. Hume and his friends disclaimed repeatedly their intention to start any new society if it could be prevented.]. If we are let alone we in Hastings shall do well enough. Societies in other places may have something inherent in them to cause them to fail, but we have nothing to do with them. Mr. Hume says our members have admitted the unsoudness(sic) of our society. Good! Why did he not tell the public they had remedied that unsoundness by their new rules and not go on preaching about the old ones, which do not apply”. “Alfred Richardson, Halton, Hastings, Ap. 16th 1860”
Another Correspondent wrote – “Sir, - I think Mr. Richardson is rather in the habit of taking people to talk to on matters he knows nothing about. He wants, as the sailors say, taking ‘in a reef or two’; for instance, about ridiculing Mr. Tidd Pratt and sundry other gentlemen – one because he gives a little good advice, the others because they don’t choose to sign their names, and some because they don’t happen to give their verdict according to his way of thinking. I, for one, beg of him to leave off that nasty habit , and thus oblige a great many who Wish him Well”
Mr. Richardson Climbing Down. Mr. Hume having repudiated the imputation in a lecture at the Mechanics’ Institution, Mr. Richardson replied – “I did not say one of Mr. Hume’s lecture, but at a late lecture. It was only last winter, and the charge of our being at the lowest ebb, &c was delivered at its close. Even this Mr. Hume denied, saying at the same time that he did not attend any lecture last winter. Mr. Richardson’s words, however in his published letter were “That was a splendid charge, too, against us of Mr. Hume’s in a late lecture at the St. Leonards Mechanics’ Institution when he dilated so admirably about the insecurity of our societies.” I am glad, with Mr. Hume, we have come to business at last... I think it will be unnecessary now for Mr. Hume to get an opinion, as one has lately been obtained. I could not say anything about it before, as I have only just got permission to publish it; but if Mr. Hume is not content with that, I shall be happy to give him any further information I possess, as my only desire in the matter is that the society should be put fairly before the public. If the opinion that has been taken is satisfactory, and as the avowed object was to form a sound society in default of finding one -
