To the Editor of the New Zealand Spectator. Wellington, January 27, 1&54.

New Zealand Spectator and Cook's Strait Guardian, Volume IX, Issue 888, 4 February 1854, Page 2

To the Editor of the New Zealand Spectator. Wellington, January 27, 1&54.

Sir, — I have been much amused with the letters of A. in your paper, nnd those of Minos in the Independent, in answer. The letters of A. shew the incompetency of the Provincial Secretary, and his learned col'eague the Solicitor, for iheir offices, which incompetency Minos doss not attempt to refute, but avoids it altogether, ami abuses A for being i literate a<td having a vulgar mi •«), and for not having a knowledge of the script iitps and ancieirt history.' What a logic is ihi«, Muios — aii'l what a curious defence of tie two oifich's. But Minos, wishing his own literate abilities and superior mind to be apparent, makes reference to Joe killer, who I suppose, is MmcKs' tatorite author. If Minos will give the quoiation he speaks 'of I vhall feel obliged, as it may be i.srful lo refer to. I suspect A can only become I'rerate and polisl<ed by having a few private lessons in those branches of education, Mid for such purpose -I rec< mmend him to a certain lachrymose gentleman, late of F<uit.h street, who has plenty of college quotations and kitchen wit on h?nd, of which he wishes to denude himself. I use the word denude because it is one which the Provincial Secretary is foj\d of using., and I like lo be fashionable and follow so correct and upright a leader, I have a great respect for him notwithstanding all that A writes against him. As to his colleague, who is by courtesy called ihelearned gentleman, 1 have nothing to say against him, except that he cannot be so ably filling his office as Minos states if A's charges be true, which they must he taken to be as Minos' letters do not in the least degree combat the -charge?, and therefore they stand at present unrefined. Minos, howevei, need not think that the public attention will be withdrawn by his letters from the facts mentioned by A. Everybody who reads A's letters can see at ones the incompetency of the two Executive officer?, and Minos has not amended their position ; in truth Minos is a most injudicious friend, and had better not scribble any more unless he can do so with coolness and fairness. Fair play is a jewel, anrl~if Minos had in the slightest degree refuted A's charges I bhould have felt glad because I think the two officials, though not competent, may be sincere, and A has not made any charge of insincerity against either of them. Minos ■hould recollect that general abuse is no answer to a specific charge, but is rather an admission that the charge is true. Minos states that be Us proved A's charges to be utterly false and unfounded, but I do not see how he makes this out. Can you tell us, Mr. Editor? Your obedient servant " A QUIET OBSERVER.