Correspondence.

Auckland Examiner, Volume 1, Issue 30, 16 July 1857, Page 4

Correspondence.

4S* Communications should be authenticated by th 9 name and address of the writer, not necessarily for publication, but as a guarantee of good faith. Our columns are open to all correspondents ; but we neither endorse the opinions nor guarantee the facts of any. (To the Editor of the Auckland Examiner). Sih, —In the Notice to Correspondents, m that most scurrilous print, the “ New-Zealander,” printed arid published by Mr. John Williamson the Superintendent of this province, it is announced that Mr Editor Smallfield, is fully informed of matters in the Resident Magistrates’ Court,” He might have saved himseif the trouble of stating that which must be apparent to everybody, as it is notorious that the Superintendent has placed a political spy in that Court, for the purpose of obtaining that which is even more consonant to his Honor’s taste—untruths ! ft must, however, be a source of great gratification to the Resident Magistrate and those connected with the Court that Mr. Editor Smallfield has at last been brought to his senses; and has declared his intention, after a long silence, “ to have a word or two to say, ere long, on the present position in this Court.” If he only adhere to facts, which by tne way is unlikely, I have no doubt it would redound very much to its credit. Yours &c., Philo-Pvblicola. July 9, 1857. 0

(To the Editor of the Auckland Examiner.) THE EIGHT HOURS’ MOVEMENT. Sir, —On the 13th instant, the “New Zealander,” informed us that the eight hours’ movement, originated with a few of the working-men of this city although on the 20th September last, it set forth that it originated with a Wesleyan Missionary. It told us that at the opening of the Young Men's Christian Association, the Rev. A. Reid said—“ I have now to name three measures which I want the young men to prepare for the next sitting of the Provincial Council. Ist.—A measure to close the public-houses during the whole of the Sabbath. 2nd.—A measure for shortening the hours of labor. 3rd.—A measure to give us half a holiday on the Saturday ” 1 lence, it appears that the movement originated a ith the Wesleyan Missionary Society, assuming the right to enact our laws and to dictate our duties. Perhaps, a better acquaintance with their own duties would convince them that legislation and penal enactment form no part of their commission ; that moral suasion is the element in which they ought to live—in which they ought to die. Moreover, publicans have civil rights equal with other men which Missionaries ought not to infringe. Moral suasion well applied would prove much more potent to close their public houses on the Lord’s Day than any penal enactment. “ A measure to give us half-a-holiday on the Saturday” may be taken for what it is worth. It is obvious that to thinking men the eight hour movement, by deducting two-tenths from the quantity of labor in the market will add two-tenths or 20 per cent, increased price to that which remains ; and by consequence will lender it impossible for our agriculturists to supply the province with food ; and much less to produce exports. The fact is patent, in that at the present day, we import flour from America, New Soul h Wales, and other parts. Again, how unwise it is to offer a premium of four thousand pounds for the best manufactured flax, and then raise the price of labor 20 per cent, by Act of Parliament. The “ Movement evidently originated” with the Wesleyans, whose political influence is rapidly demoralising and damaging our provincial character both here and elsewhere. Yours &c., G. Vailb. 7th July, 1857.