The Lyttelton Times.

Lyttelton Times, Volume VI, Issue 357, 5 April 1856, Page 6

The Lyttelton Times.

Saturday, April 5. : The influence exerted by the press upon the moral constitution of the public, is a fact that has for many years been felt and acknowledged- That such influence has been and isaexercised in a wise and benevdoiit spirit, is aiso gratefully conceded by millions. But, on the other hand, instances, illustrative of the highly mischievous tendency of an indiscreet or vicious exercise of the moral power of the Press, are plentifully recorded in the pages of history, and we regret to add are too perceptible even in these days. It will be matter of surprise to many, that despite the searching criticism to which in these days of spreading intelligence the workings of the Press are subjected ; the exhibition during a long course of years of organic morbidity should be still continued. It is with regret that we still perceive the Press uf the Northern Island labouriiu under j the sad infatuation which litis so long tie- j j feated its usefulness. We grieve to behold jiu every succeeding page, evidence of a j monomania dangerous to the public, and that eminently retards the developement of reason, aud its clue and proper application in tbe piesent critical condition of the Colony. We are tired of balancing the various successes attending the antagonistic as-enioii of partisanship, which seem so ardently, indeed exclusively cared for by I our brethren of tbe North Island. We luok in vain l'»r that kind good temper iv which alone a fair and earnest search t\>v I truth can be conducted ; and in the absence ]of whirh, so much loss of time has been inI cttrred. aud such rancorous extravagances of I intellect have been visited upon the public. IWe hmiriiiy hope that we shall soon be ! relieved of a contemplation so distressing to u<. ludicrous to others, and surely hurtful to a;i. Where one journal is pledged to oppo-e till that may receive the sanction of the other, where the conduct of men is held up to ridicule, or subjected to illiberal criticisn, solely because of conscientious difTei rence of opinion : when this state of - I things with ail its abundant evils exist: we

ask what prospect can there be of just coucltu sions in argument, conducted in all the pbrenzy of a violent political, nay even personal antipathy? This isa state ofthiugssadly detrimental to the peaceful working and perfecting of the various social and political institutions to which the Press should naturally be sponsor and guardian. The'published presence of violent prejudice in the Press is productive of innumerable evils: but the exhibition of a scurrilous temper in such a quarter is calculated to induce a popular denial of the ordinary obligations of common politeness and decorum, so essential to social prosperity and security. Partizanship in the Press is an evil much to be guarded against, and which cannot be regarded too I suspiciously by the public. The bu.siuessof the Press is the detection of abases, the exposure of falsehoods, the suggesting of hnproveents, the careful watching over the moral health of its charge, giving voice to reproof in tones of authoritative mildness, encouraging and approving without flattering, differing without irritability, and seeking to teach and convince by rational inducement. The exercise of its duties by the Press in a spirit of unyielding though unostentatious independence, we may safely pronounce to be a boon to the public immeasurable in itg value : while flippancy, scurrility, and prejudice, will most certainly inflict an. equally I immeasurable extent of evil. Now is the time for a generous reconciliation of differences which we hope we are justified in believing to be more vehemently expresstd than seriously existant. The chosen men of the Southern Provinces are meeting in the North to deliberate on grave matters: let therefore the Press of New Zealand geneially, and of Auckland in particular, contribute that assistance to legislation, which faithful reporting, ingenuous criiicism, and calm reasoning, are well calculated to afford. By such a course the united Press of New Zealand will assert its-proper position., and will with truth be regarded as that estate in the commonwealth whose property it is to guard, unite, and protect the whole.