THE Marlborough Express. SATURDAY, JANUARY 4, 1868.

Marlborough Express, Volume III, Issue 95, 4 January 1868, Page 4

THE Marlborough Express.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 4, 1868.

“ Give me the liberty to know, to utter, and to argue freely according to conscience, above all other liberties.” —Milton.

At the close of the year it is customary for all business concerns to take stock, and looking round upon the circle of their connection, consider the extent of their prospects, and the general position of affairs ; in short to review the past, and its probable bearing on the future. In like manner, it is usual for the Editor to enjoy a short tete-a-tete once a year with his readers, and for one day at least, cease the warring and conflict which seems the natural element in which he lives. Custom has sanctioned such a familiar recognition at a time when most persons are determined to be good-humored—well-pleased with themselves, and everyone around them—and why should we not follow so good an example ? It is a custom too which we like, causing us to pass the year in review—to see what promises have been left unfulfilled, and whether we have in all respects done our duty to the public ; and—if need be—confess our shortcomings, and endeavor to amend.

How then stands the case ? A year ago we were proud to express a hope that in all matters in which any social, moral, or religious principle was involved, we had been found faithful to our trust. We affirmed that in all these respects, we had been found true, and with no little pride boasted that we had gone on constantly increasing our subscription list, while we had not lost a single subscriber; thus proving that we had, at least to some extent, fulfilled the public requirements. We promised to follow a similar course in the future, as long as we were able, pursuing a liberal course, and urging liberal and progressive principles ; making our journal a truthful mirror of the times, and a candid exponent of the public voice. On glancing back over the year just ended, we remember with some regret, sundry passages of arms between us and a brother journalist in another part of this Province, as well as with certain political opponents, when necessity called upon us to exert our patriotism ; but happily now—as Napoleon once said; —The Empire is Peace ! As a community, we have had but few noticeable events :—The visit of the Governor, a bad harvest, a disastrous flood, two sessions of the Provincial Council, the decision of the Judges against the Blenheim Board of Works, and the patching-up or validation of their Act again, the termination of the long-pending dispute as to the debt due to the General Government, the settlement of the Surplus Revenue question for the time, being, the vengeful deposition of Dr. Muller by the Premier, the attempt 'to initiate Protective duties on breadstuffs, and two destructive fires—are the principal subjects which have excited, and interested the public mind. Yet, notwithstanding the drawbacks resulting from some of these things, the Province and Blenheim has continued to, progress and improve; our - commercial standing and reputation is good and sound among the foreign merchants ’from whom we obtain our supplies ; and! while all-the other Provinces- have shown and experienced' ’great degression, and even’ distress, our community has shown a most

laudable elasticity. We question indeed, very much, if there is a better place in all New Zealand, than our own Province. Personally, we look back to the Express, and we regret to say that we can no longer boast of not having lost a subsriber, since we have from various causes during the year, lost about a dozen ! Some because of a petty jealous feeling ; but chiefly, because it has been our misfortune to differ with others in opinion; or, what amounted to the same thing with them, our columns were the medium through which someone else has expressed doctrines and opinions disagreeable to them. But, on the other hand, we are happy to add that the accession to our subscribers has been very great, and our list contains the name of nearly every sensible man in the Province. Nor have we any right to complain of their coldness towards us, as our advertising columns have long borne witness. We have done our utmost to improve our journal, week by week, and are proud to find that our efforts are appreciated so extensively. We trust the good feeling existing between us and our subscribers may be continued through life, and that each succeeding year may find us ready, with as good cause as now, to acknowledge the favors received. We hope ere long, to be enabled permanently and greatly to enlarge our journal, improve its appearance, and so give our readers the benefit of their own encouragement. The Express has by some been called a “ little paper,” simply because its size of page was less than others, forgetful of the number of pages, and these filled either with readable matter in small type, or genuine advertisements. We have met with an extract, which we may justly adopt : —“ The little ship sometimes rides out the gale to which the larger vessel succumbs, as we have sometimes seen the small boat with its precious burden reach a safe haven, while the nobler vessel has gone down with all hands on board.” We have no wish to say anything on this head in a spirit of reprisal or unkindness, but leave the analogy to those whom it may concern. Nor do we make any profession of our abilities, well knowing how deficient they are at the best. In conclusion, let us request our readers, —

“ In every work to regard the writer’s end, Since none can compass more than he intend ; But if the means be just, the conduct true, Applause in spite of trivial faults is due.” Thanking our numerous and increasing body of friends and readers for the support given, and forbearance shown to our shortcomings, it only remains for us to wish them all and every one A Merry Christmas ! And a Happy New Year! !