The Ashburton Guardian. Magna Est Veritas et Prævalebit. MONDAY, MAY, 10, 1886. OURSELVES.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume V, Issue 1412, 10 May 1886, Page 2

The Ashburton Guardian. Magna Est Veritas et Prævalebit. MONDAY, MAY, 10, 1886. OURSELVES.

As will have been inferred from a notice which appeared over the leader in last issue, an alteration has taken place in the control and management of this paper, anent which it is expedient that we should take our subscribers, advertisers and readers into our confidence. For some time past it has been telt that a change was desirable, and, as the result, the Guardian has been transferred to Mr W. J. Steward, who has arranged for its publication by the Ashburton Publishing Company (Limited). We propose in future to go to press at not later than a quarter past 4rp.nl., and advertisers will therefore oblige by sending in their favours at as early an hour as possible, as we feel sure that we are consulting the wishes of our subscribers in ensuring to them the delivery of the paper, so as to be on the tea-table between 5 and 6 o’clock throughout the town. In cases where the delivery is delayed beyond the last’ named hour, it will be the fault of the runners, and subscribers will oblige us by reporting at the office any cause lor complaint in this direction, so as to enable its being promptly remedied. It is our intention to increase the amount of reading matter supplied) and gradually to effect a great improve raent in the setting and appearance of the paper. This, however, involving as it does, a change of type, will necessarily be a work of time, and we ask indulgence for a few weeks until our intentions can be carried into effect. As regards the editorial management) the public generally will, we feel sure' be pleased to learn that this will continue under the charge of Mr Saunders, who has deservedly won a high place in public esteem, and who, Mr Steward desires to say, will be free, as regards political matters, to take such course and support such Party as he may deem best. It is, therefore, quite possible that, although published at the same office, the Maid and Guardian may by no means be found to hold or advocate the same political views. It is important that this should be fully known and understood, as, should a general election shortly eventuate and Mr Steward be lound supporting on the platform the views of the present Goverrment, or those of any othe r political party, neither the Guardian nor the Mail will be in any way bound to take the same attitude, nor wil' either journal take its cue from the other. The Guardian will, as hitherto) honestly, fairly, and fearlessly advocate the policy best calculated to advance the interests of the town, of the country and of the colony; and its columns will be impartially open to all or the discussion of questions ol general and local interest. That there is ample room for both the Guardian and Mail in the town and district, wc fully believe, and we confidently appeal on behalf of both papers to the public support. Well-conducted local papers arc a necessity in the case of all pro. gressive communities such as ours, and

there is no resident in town or county who cannot afford to take one or both of the local papers. And as literary work, like all other work, must be paid for, and as the quality of the artticle supplied is necessarily proportioned to the remuneration which can be given, those who desire to see their local papers what they should be, and what we desire to make them, should en' deavour to extend their circulation and give them a hearty and generous support, in return for which they may depend upon our honest endeavours to fulfil to the utmost the public expectations, Wn. J- S'ffiWARP.