Correspondence.

Lyttelton Times, Volume VI, Issue 386, 16 July 1856, Page 5

Correspondence.

To the Editor of the " Lyttelton Times." SiE,—lt is now nearly twenty years since I became a convert to the principles of democracy, and from that period to the present I have been the consistent advocate of popular freedom, as far as my humble sphere of action would permit. But, sir, I had yet to learn that the majesty of the law would be insulted, and the sacred law of libsrty be turned to ridicule, when entrusted to the care of a professedly enlightened people. ! That such, however, has been the case, I think the most ardent lover of popular instutions must admit, when soberly reviewing the conduct of the people of Lyttelton, in the recent election of a Way-warden. It appears to me that many who clamoured for local self-government are now very anxious to escape its responsibilities, while they are no wise against enjoying its advanvant.ages. As to all the talk about " the thin end of the wedge," I look upon it as a mere chimera; for, with a Government such as we possess, we have no cause to fear, if the people are only true to themselves ; if we do but fraternize in a good cause, and not, as at present, stand aloof from each other, each man walking among his fellows with a ticket on his back, " No Trust." lam as much opposed to unjust taxation as any man, —as desirous of real economy ; but where, Sir, in the history of the world, is the civilized country without taxation ? And is it not better to have a direct tax for a specific object, levied and spent under our own control and supervision, than a revenue collected with the costly machinery of Excise and Customs ? Yet, sir, how many who scream with terror at this ghost of taxation, and begrudge a few shillings in the year for the public service, would spend ten times the amount in dutypaying " nobblers." Trusting that my feilowtownstnen will see their error, and especially " mend their ways," I beg to subscribe myself, A WoKIUXG •'MAX.