ORIGINAL CORRESPONDENCE.

New Zealand Spectator and Cook's Strait Guardian, Volume VIII, Issue 701, 21 April 1852, Page 3

ORIGINAL CORRESPONDENCE.

To the Editor of the “ New Zealand Spectator," Wellington, April 19, 1852. Sir, —Although the filthy stream of abuse that flows from the pen of the blatant blockhead who edits 1 the Wellington Independent is beneath public notice, I yet address to you these lines, charitably hoping they may meet his eyes in a lucid interval, and somewhat tend to his future reforiration. Doubtless he is, as he asserts, the essence of wisdom, bravery, and patriotism, and it is equally likely that we are enduring a worse than Egyptian bondage under the most tyrannical despots : —alas! for us silly persecuted settlers who, stupidly following our daily labours, would, without this William Tell of the Lancet, have always remaine! ignorant of our cruel martyrdom under a southern Gesler. Unluckily for Dr. Slop, we still have our John Bull prejudice of preferring an ounce ol evidence to a ton ol ranting abuse ; and, to give one instance, we cannot persuade ourselves that when nearly eight hundred settlers apply lor Sir George Grey's consent to a measure which they deem equally beneficial to themselves, and necessary for the welfare of the settlement, that Sir George is criminal in granting their petition, because demurred to by the ‘ mighty' "Siup"s;~t4sw Independent. It is doubtless very galling to Dr. Slop that Sir George does not always take him by the button, and tell him when and where he is going, and respectfully request Dr. Slop’s advice an I acquiescence iu all bis movements ; but Sir George may perhaps think those who walk well alone don't want leading-strings, particularly as Slop has no greater claim to be consulted than a thousand other settlers. Who values a straw this Cicero of St. Giles’, who, like the fabled ass in lion's hide, thinks us mute from admiring awe at his incessant braying? —it is pitiful to see a man so ignorant of the littleness of his own mental powers assailing a statesman whose character was not obtained by self-praise, but by toil, danger, suffering, and perseverance. What, except ranting speeches and abusive writing, has Slop ever given the settless or performed for society ? Inspired by the rankling envy of a mean mind he spits his ceaseless venom on Sir George Grey, incapable of the generous rivalry of a noble spirit which would rather earn fame by like useful exertions than detract from the deserved honours of a worthy foe. Merit, not patronage, was the ladder by which Sir George Grey climbed to power, and the settlers of the South (saving only the paltry clique of Slop) know how to value enterprize and courage. In bis own eyes Slop is a shining light to enlighten our darkness —in those of the majority of the settlers a mere political Jack o’ Lantern hovering over the bog of Social Discord : yet even Slop can scarcely longer hug the delusive thought that bis vagaries are approved of by more than a score of fanatics, the miserable tail of the broken down Faction, whilst the mild and courteous rule, safe policy and, when needed, prompt and vigorous measures of Sir George Grey has gained the goodwill and confidence of all settlers capable of valuing the blessings of peace and amity which now exist between two once hostile races. I am, Sir, Your’s respectfully, AN OLD COLONIST.

To the Editor of the “ New Zealand Spectator.” Wellington, April 20, 1852. Siu, —At a late Meeting held for framing a Church Constitution in Wellington, I was very much pleased to hear Sir George Grey make some remarks on a subject very much overlooked in Wellington, in forming Committees in general. His Excellency said it would be desirable that some of the pious poor should be included amongst the Committee. I hope to be understood as not interfering with any part of their proceedings, but I wish, Sir, to express my approval of the enlightened view Sir George takes in advocating the franchise of the poor man. Are not the industrious poor the best fitted to report on the ways and means of bettering the condition of their own class, both morally and physically ? why then should they be excluded ? A man that gets riches and starts from the working classes is looked on with jealousy ; in almost every case the rich man will not arrive at the truth. The poor man is generally overlooked to give place to his rich brother, and is shut out from those privileges which belong to all members of the community alike ; be looks at his exclusion as an insult. If more of the rich classes where to take an interest in the well being of their poorer brethren, the poor man would respect himself from finding he had a position in society, and pay a greater respect and deference to his superiors. I am, Sir, Your obedient servant, A WORKING MAN.