To the Editor of the New Zealand Spectator. Wellington, December 22nd, 1853.

New Zealand Spectator and Cook's Strait Guardian, Volume IX, Issue 879, 4 January 1854, Page 3

To the Editor of the New Zealand Spectator. Wellington, December 22nd, 1853.

Sir, — In your paper of yesterday, I observe " Caustic " makes some tensible remarks respecting the misrepresentations the Independent has lately been addicted to with respect to the conduct of members of Council ; endeavouring thereby to mislead those who do not po to the Council, and judge for themselves. " Caustic " ne,ed not be in the least alarm lest an erroneous impression should be made by the Independent, as every one knows its articles are written by the Provincial Spcretary on account, and for the behoof, of the Oligarchy, or clique, or Government party* This is n well known fact — tlu r ;fore that paper only- stinks in tbe nostrils of the public, and the public must wait patiently to see the "Dependent" come to a timely end. The "Caustic" of the Independent has got his reward ; he is made a part and parcel of the clique, viz., Sergennt-at-Arms, Any body can

now go and look at him in the Council, sitting besids an old white rod that the Sheriff used to Use For the Judge. Poor fellow, they gol lm twaddle cheap, only £25 per annum. " Caustic " haS no occasion to feel any alarm for the safety of Mr. Wakefield ; the public arte Satisfied with him. He has saved the whole revenue of this jiroVin'ce from being gobbled up and destroyed. As for the futile attempts on the part of the Provincial Secretary and his learned colleague, the Provincial legal adviser, they may as well attempt to talk down Somes Island as talk Mr. Wakefield down, it is not to be done by such imbeciles. Why, the Provincial Secretary cannot talk down Andrew, and because Andrew told him he lived in a glass house be wasted five mortal columns in the Indepen&eftt for merely hinting a fact that all Wellington V nows well. Before I stop, I can't help sayiug that I cannot but admire the cool effrontery of the Provincial Secretary. It is well known he entered the Council for the place he has got, and it is just as well known he really needed it ; but how to account for bis assurance and donkeyism is a puzz'e to all, unless it be to make a false show of independence. It is very much to be regretted that tbe Superintendent has allied himself to such a set of men, as they only pull him to pieces every time they speak ; the consequence will be that he must shake himself clear of those gentlemen and get others who will not obstruct the proceedings of business. The Secretary will then see when it is too late he has lost his £400 i per annum, and that will be a saving to the colony, for a Clerk at £150 is all tbe Superintendent requires, and he ought not to burden us with a man who does not know what business is, and with whom no man can work. Mr. Stapleton did quit;e right to resign when he would not submit to make entries without vouchers ; so the Provincial Secretary must look out for some one who will be more tractable. Does the Provincial Secretary think for a moment that bis conduct is not to be animadverted on as well as that of other people? he must remember he is public property. I am astonished Mr. Editor, you don't settle his business as you did some years since. You settled his business as a Merry Andrew, which caused him not to show up for some years. I am Sir, Your obedient Servant, AN OLD APOTHECARY.