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New Zealand Times, Volume XXXI, Issue 4811, 23 August 1876, Page 2

We publish in another column the letters written by Messrs. Pearce and Hunter in reply to the communications addressed to those gentlemen by Mr. South, the Secretary to the Vogel Reception Committee. We may perhaps in this connection be permitted to remark that we quite agree with Mr. Hunter in thinking that far too much has been made of this matter, and indeed we have more than once previously expressed this opinion. There can be no doubt but that Mr. Wakefield’s speech was not ih good taste, and that he made charges and insinuations for which there can be no justification, as is shown in Mr. Pearce’s letter. We are, under these circumstances, of opinion that it would not have been wise for either Mr. Hunter or Mr. Pearce to have answered or taken

any notice of Mr. ’ Wakefield’s remarks. Mr. Peakcb must stand excused, as he was not in the House when Mr. Wakefield spoke, and had therefore ho opportunity of replying. We understand that Mr Hunter only heard a portion- of Mr.Wakepield’s ill-advised observations, but we can readily 1 assume regarded them as unworthy of notice. We are convinced that it (would- not have been prudent in him to have risen to speak when an important debate was bn the point of olosing, and when, in the interests of Wellington, it was not desirable to delay taking a division, which was certain at that moment, but which might have been •endangered by hesitation or delay. It is only fair to say that the members for this province have a very difficult part to perform. Many hard things have been said about Wellington during the present session, but they have been listaned to in silence. Nothing that has been said or that can be adduced can take from Wellington her position as the most suitable and convenient site for the capital of the colony., Port Nicholson has advantages which cannot be taken from it, and for which it is ■ only indebted to nature. We feel certain that the electors will absolve their members from blame and be satisfied that their interests have been carefully considered by their representatives.