THURSDAY, OCTOBER 19, 1876.

Oamaru Mail, Volume I, Issue 155, 19 October 1876, Page 2

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 19, 1876.

We are always happy to op-n our columns to the free cltacnasioo of any subject of interest, whether it be a grievance to be complained of, the seeking the redress of a wrong, or the bestowing of praise where credit b due. So long as the correspondence be carried on in a fair and honorable spirit, we have nothing to do with the views advocated, or the principles or measures condemned, and the publication of a correspondent's letter does not in any way committ tt3 to the vieW3 expressed. We have thus premised on account of two tetters to which we gave insertion in our coittimi3 within the past few days. Both were on the same 3«bjeet, in fact, the one '"ing an answer to the other. We have been tofd tjtat some surprise has been expressed ♦.hat we should have given publication to the production signed *' Work and Wages," and we replied then, what we now reiterate, that we would be failing in our duty did we allow our own opinions to sway ns to the burki&g of *» free discussion of a subject, always providing such discussion was carried on in «n unobjectionable sp»rit. Although we du not at all feel called upon by the remarksNrhich may have been made, to either admit or deny the statements contained in our correspondent's letter, our own views on the matter, so often expressed in these columns, would l_*td ns to take exception to its general tenor. As, however, the matter has been taken in hand by one who is evidently acquainted with the subject upon which he writes, we will not do more than mention that, with " Shearer," we thoroughly disagree witLi many of the assertions made, and have oar first correspondent to be " fctter-ally " shorn.