Correspondence.

Auckland Examiner, Volume 1, Issue 3, 25 December 1856, Page 2

Correspondence.

tS" Communications should be authenticated by the name and address of the writer, not necessarily for publication, but as guarantee of good faith.

(To the Editor of the Auckland Examiner.)

■ Sir, —It must ba admitted on all sides that the first arrival of our “ Constitution Act” was a striking circumstance in the history of New Zealand. One which, in fact, undeniably proved to every reflecting mind the urgent, the absolute, yea, the indispensable necessity for the self-culture, the general mental development, and the moral improvement of the Colonists who were doubly called upon to work it and to be afterwards guided by its general principles- It was an event calculated to stimulate and call forth the most energetic exertions of all who were sufficiently alive to its gigantic importance, or were properly interested in the common weal; all lovers of freedom and good government, inviting them as it did from its impressive and animating foreboding ; all who could pot help but look upon it as an instrument (just as it may be wisely or unwisely used) either for our weal or woe ; to embrace the earliest and all legitimate opportunities of spreading all kinds of useful and appropriate information. The Examiner having made its appearance as an agent, I hope and trust it will take a prominent, a manly, and. above all, an independent position in this truly desirable, this philanthropic, and patriotic work. Some few wise aud judicious steps have neen taken by way of laying a good foundation on which to rear a structure, as' well as furnishing the requisite machinery. We have the Odd Fellows’ Hall, a building which is a credit to its owners—which has been erected nt the instigation of

many of our far-seeing and industrious citizens, who believe in the utility of associating and meeting together for the mutual benefit of all connected. We have also two excellpit establishments, one in the shape of a Young Mews Christian Association —and a second in that of the Mechanics’ Hall, each appropriated and well adapted for the spread of knowledge. We have had two local newspapers, which have been extensively circulated and read more oo less in every locality of the Province. The agitation for early closing and for shortening the hours of labor, evinces a desire for exextended opportunities of devotion and improvement. The Lectures which have been delivered from time to time on a variety of topics, together with the many successful efforts which have been made in the way of refinement by creating a desire for music, indicate a noble and praiseworthy desire on the part of many of our welidisposed citizens to give, and the attendance on such occasions of late manifests an inclination in others to embrace and enjoy such favorable advantages held out for cultivation and further advancement. 1 propose lending my assistance in this truly intellectual movement.

Our learned Lecturers appear to have boxed the literary compass in search of subjects on which to dwell in a Lecture, without selecting as yet one calculated more particularly to teach the electors and the youths of our community the philosophy and principles of civil liberty and a general knowledge of government. As it is from the youths that we must of necessity look forward for -clever and efficient Superintendents, for Members of the House of Representatives and Provincial Councils—as we look to our youths for the more accomplished politicians to fill the places of those who will have to retire from the stage I will endeavour the part of one, at least, towards all those who are zealously inclined in assisting to prepare them to fill such highly important and responsible positions with credit to themselves and satisfaction to their fellow-colonists. My plan will be to furnish short suitable Essays for their study and examination, —so written as to be clear, to be adapted to their capacities, to amuse and to instruct. For the sake of variety I intend to take a wide range, leaving myself at liberty to grapple with any passing event that may . attract my attention. Yours, &c., W. Griffin.