To the Editor of the New Zealand Spectator. October 6, 1854.

New Zealand Spectator and Cook's Strait Guardian, Volume IX, Issue 958, 7 October 1854, Page 3

To the Editor of the New Zealand Spectator. October 6, 1854.

Wellington, Mr. Editor—ls not the practical operation of these Free Institutions a glorious affair ? But the best of the j whole is the nice pickings. Now, Sir, you mustunder•tand that there is shortly^to be a new election both general and particular. What a chance, for some noble and disinterested patriots! I mean t,o propose for the two Speakerships- And I shall do the'thingin the most generous and philanthropic manner. I shall tell the Electors everywhere that I go into the House an independent Member, scorning all pay and pelf. The people will say that is the man for us I Accordingly, when I get in, I shall tell them from thehustingi, what a mighty fine liberal hearted and honorable statesman I shall become. The people, poor innocents! will believe me. Behold, then, the capital hit! I thall net 200 for Wellington, and 400 for Auckland. j£6oo per annum would warm the heart of any honest patriot. Besides, what do you think of a guinea per diem and passage paid, and the opportunity of getting cheaply drunk upon, the premises ? If you can keep a steady seat upon your bench, you are quite respectable; and should you rise to pitch into your opponents, it will appear that you are standing up for your country. Now, Mr. Editor, I have something to propose for your benefit. You must, also, become a P.M.; and you shall have all the Government work you can do in your office, without suffering the penalty of Government contract. The last is a very ingenious way of getting rid of obnoxious and troublesome members. But we shan't treat our friends and supporters in that icurvy manner. Now ie the time for all liberal minded men to look up;—l mean all those who desire the privilege of being well paid for making large promise! and long-winded speeches, and doing nothing for the substantial and speedy advancement of the colony. The people ought to know that the great benefit of Free Institutions, is, to share the good things of this life among the philanthropic and patriotic and popular men among us. These persons have no right to flatter the people, and tell them all manner of fine things for nothing. Were there no salaries going, patriotism would be like a cold winter night, but these things paid monthly are perpetual sunshine to ardent politicians. Yet the chief charm of the affair seems to be this, that the successful competitors (or the prizes are not allowed to pick their bones in peace, but a regular fight and scramble ensue, and the pay is received, and the work of the country left undone. 0 tempora ! 0 mores t Yours. &c, NO PARTY-MAN.