The Gisborne Times PUBLISHED EVERY MORNING SATURDAY, SEPT. 7, 1907. OUR CORRESPONDENCE COLUMNS.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXV, Issue 2179, 7 September 1907, Page 2

The Gisborne Times PUBLISHED EVERY MORNING SATURDAY, SEPT. 7, 1907. OUR CORRESPONDENCE COLUMNS.

There appears to have been a misunderstanding on the part of some of our readers in connection with a letter which appeared in our correspondence columns yesterday, a fact that iis made apparent by the tone of letters published in to-day’s issue, and by personal conversation with ladies and gentlemen who have taken umbrago because tlio letter in question was published. Under the circumstances it may not be out of place to state the position. We welcome correspondence at all times, but distinctly disassociate ourselves from opinions expressed by our correspondents. A communication may bo entirely at variance with our own views; it may bo couched in terms tint to us appear objectionable, yet if we aro to maintain the position of tlio “Times” as a recognised medium for the expression of public opinion wo aro not justified in refusing it .publication on these grounds. The fact that the views contained in the letter may be entirely opposed to popular opinion has nothing to do with the case; tlio minority must also have an opportunity to vcutil.ite its beliefs and aspirations. It is on this very freedom from bias that the Press depends for it.s usefulness to tlio community. To very many the correspondence columns of tho newspapers provide tho only moans whereby they can attempt to have grievances remedied, and almost all the reforms that have been placed to the credit of the people of New Zealand have had their birth in this way. It is, therefore, of the utmost importance to the community that this right of appealing to the public di.rect through /the press filial! be maintained inviolate. Experience lias shown us that this privilege is keenly appreciated by the locil public, and the fact that it is occasionally abused would certainly not warrant a journal in applying* the closure to correspondence of which it 1 did not approve. I.t initv lie ■almost unnecessary to add that the subject of the present correspondence—the Sievwright memorial movement—is one that lias our entire sympathy. The deceased lady was an ornament to the community amongst whom she moved and-had her life—a career of unfailing love and care for the needy and afflicted —was a striking example of nobility and high character. Any attempt to depreciate tho glorious record of this true woman by an attack upon her supposed views on religious subjects is singularly illtimed, for the deceased lady appeared to have realised tlie highest ideals of Ohristi' uiity by devoting her life to an unceasing labor for others. In honoring Airs. Sievwiriglit by the erection of the monument that has just been placed in Peel-street the citizens of Gisborne are in reality honoring themselves.