To the Editor of the New Zealand Spectator, and Cook's Straits Guardian.

New Zealand Spectator and Cook's Strait Guardian, Volume I, Issue 1, 12 October 1844, Page 3

To the Editor of the New Zealand Spectator, and Cook's Straits Guardian.

Sir, — I was somewhat amused at the time I glanced over the paragraph in the New Zealand Gazette, of the 18th ultimo., in reference to the proposition of his Excellency in Council, to grant £200 per annum in aid of the travelling expences of the Bishop of New Zealand; and which, according to the Editors idea, " naturally excited feelings of surprise and regret in the minds of right thinking persons " but I did not imagine that his "having been made acquainted with the fact that a spirited expression of thanks to the Members of Council who opposed the grant is in course of preparation, "was really a serious advertisement, till I was a few days since solicited to sign this precious document. Now in looking at the names of those members who opposed the grant in Council, I do not find one Churchman among the number. One is a Roman Catholic ; two are Presbyterians, and two, whom I had imagined from their education were also Presbyterian 3) but, from what I can glean

from fheir expressed opinions I should t<*rm Any-tking-ariants. That this " spirited expression of thanks " should be signed by the members of those denominations, I quite comprehend ; but that any " right thinking person " of the Church of England, should so far stultify himself as to attach his name thereto, would be to me perfectly enigmatical. I am, Sir, Your most obedient servant, A Churchman. Wellington, October 7, 1844.