The Lyttelton Times.

Lyttelton Times, Volume III, Issue 113, 5 March 1853, Page 6

The Lyttelton Times.

March 5, 1853. A veritable Cacoetkes scribendi has suddenly seized the good folks of Canterbury, as our columns this day will abundantly testify. We have been obliged, moreover, to refuse several letters—all on the same subject, to wit, Mr. Sewell's communication in our last week's impression. Colonel Campbell has likewise inflicted on us a letter of portentous length; upwards of two columns being extracts from the report of the Canterbury Association, published in our Journal, of the 25th December. It is hardly worth while arguing with the gallant Commissioner, as nothing, he says, will induce him to wage a paper war. How the Colonel reconciles that determination with his present effusion, we leave him to decide. We have, however, one question to ask him ; is he an advocate for the introduction of Convicts into the Settlement ? His let- j ler leaves that inference. He states that all Colonies have been founded by Convicts, or Slaves; by the sweat of whose brows the land has been brought into profitable cultivation : and he asks, can the flocks and herds scattered over the Plains be any longer rendered remunerative to their owners by Free Labour ? Again, we ask the Colonel—is Convictism the banner under which he intends marching to the office of Superintendent ? For by its agency he indirectly asserts that the Settlement must be rescued from the depression under which, according to his views, it is now groaning. Mr.. Sewell's letter has caused great and unmixed dissatisfaction. It is felt that it explains nothing; that it bears an inference unfavourable to Mr. Godley ; that postponing the production of the accounts of the Association till the meeting of the Provincial Council,under the plea of their bulkiness, is an attempt to gain time ; altogether, we hardly remember an instance of a letter producing more general discontent, or more hostile criticism. Mr. Sewell's letter is doubtless open to some of these charges, and it is extremely to be regretted that he should have failed to enlighten the public on points which they have a right to have cleared up and explained. If injustice be done to Mr. Sewell, he has only himself to thank for it He was not requested nor expected to enter into details with respect to the financial position of the Association. All that was expected was a brief, clear, and general

statement of how the money at their disposal has been applied—what, in plain words, has become of the large sum set apart for Ecclesiastical and Educational purposes. It is not enough to say that all will be made known to the Provincial Council when it meets. It is not dealing fairly with the Founders of the Settlement—thus deferring to what may be an indefinite period; for at present no signs are extant of when the Council will assemble. We are happy to have it in our power ta remove one cause of alarm. No intention* we are informed, was ever entertained Jo dispose of the Town Reserves. Until they are handed to a Corporate Body in the Settlement, they, of course, remain under the superintendence of the Association";, and, in leasing them out for pasturage, no injury is sustained by anyone, but rather a .benefit ' from the revenue thus accruing-. It is a dog-in-the-manger principle to find fault on this point, as it is difficult to see to what better or more profitable use they could be applied. ' We refrain from making any comments on the letters referring to the Address to the Governor. It is fair to assume that those who signed took the trouble to read it, and that they are desirous of burying in oblivion those feelings of animosity and distrust which, as a matter of course, their signatures attest they once experienced towards his Excellency. Whether his Excellency will admit that he ever entertained similar feelings, Sir George may perhaps state in his reply.