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New Zealand Spectator and Cook's Strait Guardian, Volume VII, Issue 601, 7 May 1851, Page 3

Mr. Editor, —Owing to a somewhat lengthy absence fiom Port Lyttelton, 1 have only today, for the first time, been able to peruse your leading article of the 12th, upon which I take the liberty of volunteering a single remark which, I trust, will be of service to the genera! interest of this colony, without seriously offending your editorial self-respect. Whatever, sir, may be the general feeling among us respecting the constitution lately proclaimed iu New Zealand, it is too much to have it insinuated that by’ attending the legal summons of the representative of her Majesty, the person so attending will forfeit any claim to integrity. I feel myself sanctioned in protesting on the part of every gentleman in this colony’, against this assumption to dictate “ our duty” to us with so high a hand ; and to lay down the law under such terrible pains and penalties. It is easy’ to indulge in a sneer against the nominee system —but not so easy to transform your readers into creatures who will consent to become your own nominees—or those of the party from whose counsels the article in question emanates. That you would allow us to think and act with at least that deg: ee of freedom to which we have been accustomed in “ the old country”—is the humble supplication of one who has no further interest in the matter than what results from his attachment to the common weal of Canterbury.

Your obedient Servant, T. Cholmondeley.