“HERALD” versus COLENSO.

Hawke's Bay Times, Volume II, Issue 87, 6 February 1863, Page 3

“HERALD” versus COLENSO.

- 2b the Editor of the SaioTce's Say Tinges. Sm, —There was a time when Mr. William Colenso, the Tribune of the People, was the “great gun” of your contemporary. His deeds were trumpeted forth, his speeches occupied the place of honor, his writings were always acceptable and. admissable to the columns of the Herald. More than that, on some occasions the editorial shield was interposed to screen him from criticism that he had provoked. Yes, although professing to

give fair play and Open Column, there have been occasions when a “ nameless and unknown ” correspondent has been snubbed by the Herald to save Mr. Colenso from the annoyance of a retort that was perhaps more bitter than courteous. Was the Tribune too powerful, too ready for a fight, too popular, to be offended ? But let that pass ; never mind what is gone, time present is the question. Has the Herald discovered some political crime committed by Colenso, that it now shows him up as a delinquent of the highest (or lowest) order? I trow not. Mr. Colenso is the same man, displays the same qualities, the same failings, as when he w T as the Herald's chosen man. if he had committed any social or political crime, the Herald might consistently have turned its artillery on him. But personal quarrels ought not to be the governing element in a free and enlightened press. Even a highly offensive speech, uttered under the excitement of an election is not reason sufficient for the change noticeable in the Herald. That Mr. Colenso acted very foolishly in losing his temper at the disappointment he met with, no one will deny; that he had no ground for attacking our brethren from the North of Tweed in the manner he did, may be assumed, until proof is shown to the contrary ; that his conduct was as unwise as it was uncalled for, may be granted. But is this anything new ? Has he never before committed himself by violently abusing his opponents when hard pushed ? How is it the Herald never before saw his misdeeds, or if seeing, abdicated its throne, and failed in its duty to the public, in not censuring his conduct. What consideration could have induced the Hawke’s Bay Jupiter to withhold his thunder ? Or does the principle that when a man’s down he may be kicked with safety hold sway here ? The “ Tribune ” has made himself ridiculous, has become exceedingly unpopular, has given persoual offence to a large portion of the community ; it is somewhat remarkable that the moment of his fall is the moment that his former very dear friend selects to fall on him. By the bye, it is also worthy of being noted that the moment of Mr. Colenso's unpopularity is chosen by the Herald to inform its readers that the Times is Mr. Colenso’s organ, or something to that effect. Is this not very like tying a dead corpse to a swimmer, intended to swamp him also if possible. If the fact that Mr. Colenso addresses a letter to you for publication constitutes your journal “ his organ,” for how long a time, and to what an extent, has the Herald enjoyed the honor, if there be any, appertaining to that title ? Is the honor to be calculated by proportion ? Set the “ quires of matter ” supplied to the Herald against the two or three columns which have appeared in the Times, and the result will doubtless be satisfactory. ■ Your correspondent will not be chargeable with any partiality for Mr. Colenso, and has never received or sought a favor at his hands ; he has seen some of his blunders, and imagines he has observed and understood some of his political misdeeds; yet he is bound to admit that Mr. Colenso has served the Province of Hawke’s Bay with considerable zeal and no small ability, and the man is yet to be “ found out ” who can serve it better. It is not any of our known public men, but the “ hidden talent ” may have been discovered and brought to light during the late elections ! On that subject it is unnecessary to form an opinion. In any case, Mr. Colenso would act wisely in abstaining for a time from seeking or accepting a seat in the Provincial Council. It will perhaps be best for all parties that the new blood should have a fair trial, unchecked by the presence of the “ loquacious member (G.A.) for Napier.” Yours, &c., , A Saxon. Ahuriri, Jan. 31, 1863.