Correspondence.

Lyttelton Times, Volume VIII, Issue 488, 8 July 1857, Page 4

Correspondence.

To the Editor of the Jjyttelton Times. SiE, —I read with some surprise your critical article of July 4. You ask "By the bye. grammatically speaking, what is meant by being in forma <pauj)eni> ?" In plain English this phrase means (vide word *' forma " in any good lexicon) being in the condition of a pauper; and, that this is the signification of the words when used in the more asual form of suing in forma pauperis, you may satisfy yourself by reference to "Stephen's Commentaries on the Laws of England," book V., chap. X., where, speaking of that mode of proceeding, he defines the condition of a pauper. I think, therefore, he who sues in the condition of *a pauper may.be supposed, if honest, to be in that condition. Q.E.D. Your financial remarks are certainly original. I had imagined that financial prosperity should be judged, not merely by a fleeting balance in hand, <?r even by a nourishing income, but ' rather /'by- .the ratio of income to expenditure. On inference* .to the current estimates and the Appropriation Act, you will find that we are much in the condition .of that spirited financier, +lie Duke of Buckinghainy\j^0 > a few years

ago, " irrespective of any other l'evenue, had a landed property bringing in of itself a very large income," but who nevertheless ended very much infornici pauperis, whatever that may mean. I am, sir, Yours truly, SAMUEL BEALEY. P.S. Why did you "presume" that in for 1116, pmiperis meant on the verge of beggary—that is, if any meaning was attached to the expression at all."?

To the Editor of the Lyttelton Times. Sir, —Although the editor of a newspaper is not generally supposed to be known to any one, yet, in a small community like ours, we may very reasonably suppose that He knows everybody. This hypothesis being granted, I shall presume that you are acqnainted with every member of the Amateur Dramatic Club in Lyttelton, aud that, as a member of that body, my person and opinions are also known to you. From the first formation of that society I was opposed to the amateurs mixing themselves up with professional performances, and I was also opposed to the letting of the Town-Hall for such, purposes; and my objections were based upon the principle that no institution of a literary and scientific character could consistently amalgamate with private speculations, especially of a theatrical nature, where they had no control over the morale of the entertainment. Such being my opinions, you may be surprised to find me in the ranks of those who sympathise with Mr. Foley and his friends. But, sir, it has ever been my disposition to take the weaker side, and I do so in this case, because I believe them wronged. No man living has a more sincere respect for true religion, nor a more earnest desire to see the morals of our youth most strictly guarded j but, sir, when the spirit of fanaticism arises, and spreads his dark wings over the people, and seeks to bury them in religious gloom, I consider it the duty of every friend of common sense to lift his voice against such ascetic bigotry and priestly domination. The experience of past ages proves that dramatic entertainments are especially adapted to improve the people and to refine their tastes. "A well regulated stage is an ornament to society, a school for morals and good manners, and an encourager of wit and learning." To keep such entertainments purely moral and "well regulated" is the duty of every man whom Providence or the choice of the people may have elevated to authority and power. But to denounce them with unmitigated severity, is, in my opinion, equally unjust and inexpedient. To prove my sincerity, I shall do all hi my power to assist in providing my fellow-townspeople with theatrical amusement, both amateur and professional, and use my influence, small though it be, to unmask hypocrisy, and "to hold the mirror up to nature as to show the very age and body of the time." ' PHILODRAMATICUS.

LIST OP UNCLAIMED LETTERS For the Quarter ended 30th June, 1857. Adams, Joseph King, William (3) Armstrong, Elizabeth Batson, Walter Bennett, John Law, Chas. W. Butler, Henry (2) Lawcock, William (2) Carver, Mrs. Luney, Patrick Conner, Charles Mason, G. E. Cooke, James ('Daniel Mason, James Webster') McAvoy, Peter Dale, Mrs. . McPherson, Isabella Day, G., Sumner Morgan, George Donnold, Mr. Munday, D. Eagle, Henry Norman, John Elmers, Martha Oakden, John J. (3) Fawcett, Peter Percival, Mrs. Westby Fitzsimmons, Wrn. (2) Page, James Fleshburn, Mr. Boss, John Francis, P. L. Saddler, John Freeland, Chas. (3) Smith, John Farquharson, Donald Stowell, Chas. W. F. Hatchard, Edward Sutherland, James Hare, James Summerell, James Hancock Samuel (2) Thomson, Mrs. P. H. Hay, James (3) Thompson, P. W. Henry, John Turner Watterson, John W. L. HOWAED, Postmaster. Post Office, Lyttelton.