OUR "LEADER"

Clutha Leader, Volume I, Issue 3, 23 July 1874, Page 3

OUR "LEADER"

[We have been requested to publish the following* communication from a correspondent in the Popotunoa district.) Though not pecuniarly in the interests of our Weekly, it seems to us not the less necessary and obligatory to contribute our moiety to its support; but all the more so as the interests of so many are to a greater or less degree bound up with it. The title of our paper suggests to us matter of serious consideration. Some may be ready to say, " What's in a name ?" In reply, we are quite ready to answer, there is often much — too much in a name as could be only too easily illustrated. But as it is necessary to the present order of things that everything should have a name, we will admit the title as good and consider its application. Is it then to be taken for granted that we are to follow " Our Leader ?" If so, let it be worthy of its position. It has assumed to itself a worthy name, let it be worthy of it. Who is there ' that knows not the power and value of a leader, whether on the field of battle, or on the platform of political strife. The same may more truly be said of a leader in the fields of literature, and of that platform which the Press holds to guide the minds of men. As our leader, it will surely be something more than a chronicler of events, however important—a recorder ofdisasters however serious — a register of times and seasons, however fluctuatingj and of births, deaths, and marriages, however joyful or otherwise — an advertiser of merchandise, &c, howsoever valuable and important. These, however useful, needful^ interesting and agreeable to many, it may be to most, yet will not make it clear to us or vindicate, the assumption of such a title. What then must our leader be? Doubtless it will profess to be the leader of pudlic opinion, and the promulgator of views subservient to the interests of its contributors ; that it will be . so, remains to lie seen. But we sincerely trust that it will be the leader of the people/ in things that Will con-i tribute essentially 'to their temporal welfare ; that . it will lead them to feel that their moral nature has need of elevation, and to what will tend to; that elevation. - Yea, that it will lead them to think like reasonable, ihtelli-r gent and spiritual beings destined ifpr something more noble and holy than man's nature unaided seeks to aim at, - That it will seek to lead us to sound views on political matters, we doubt not, and trust it will issue no uncertain

sound either; but we also hope it will lead us to' the realms of all ennobling science and philosophy;, of .whateverkind. And last, but not ; leaVt," (though professedly a secular . paper); - that it will lead betimes our thoughts heavenward, Jnot ashamed to take its place' in propagating and defending the truth — even the truth as it is in Jesus. Mr. Editor,—! do not think that it would be out of place or disgrace your columns, suppose some of our ministers, teachers, and men of known learning and ability, were to contribute occasional papers on scientific, religious, or [ other important and interesting matters. I make this suggestion hoping that some may be encouraged to put their shoulder to the wheel, and endeavor to benefit their generation.