THE EVENING MAIL. MONDAY, MAY 14, 1877.

Oamaru Mail, Volume I, Issue 329, 14 May 1877, Page 2

THE EVENING MAIL.

MONDAY, MAY 14, 1877.

" Words are tliinjrs, and a ilrop of ink falling' upon a thought tfiu,y produce that wiiich njakes tiiuusaiiiis tliink."

With the issue of this number The Mail enters on a new phase of its history. The Company, which started and has hitherto conducted this journal, having transferred the property, it will henceforward be conducted by a single proprietor. Such transfer is not unusual in the history of newspaper enterprise ; indeed, it has become almost proverbial that joint-stock management of newspapers is synonymous with worry, disaster, and general dissatisfaction, from which the only relief is abrupt stoppage with loss to shareholders, or transfer of the remains of the wreck into the hands of a single conductor, who is untrammelled by the numerous considerations which are usually inseparable from the management of newspapers consisting of a numerous proprietary with so many interests to serve. Although this journal has been transferred to a new proprietor, we have the pleasure of knowing that in all other particulars the incident has been an exception to the general rule. Through the tact and business capacity of its directors it has been steered clear of the shoals that so commonly wreck the early hopes of newspaper enterprise ; and, not only as an oryan Or public opinion, but as a commercial speculation, it has, considering the brief period it has been established—little more than a year —been a complete success. We feel that it is due to those who have conducted this journal hitherto to make this statement, because, from the frequency of company failures in newspaper enterprise, it might seem but a repetition of the old story. The original promoters of The Mail were of opinion that an evening journal was required in this town. They had the courage to undertake the work and back their opinions with their capital; and now, when they have proved their opinions, and thoroughly established the paper in a sound position commercially and in the favour of the people—the objects they had in view—they pass the paper over into other hands, at a time, too, when its prospects are the brightest, and when all the risks incident to incipient journalism has been passed. In taking over the responsibilities of this trust, it will be our endeavour to emu-

late, and, if in our power, excel the efforts of its former conductors in commending this journal to the favour of the peopteTTThat favour, "we know, is only to be won by an earnest and faithful advocacy of everything calculated to promote the general welfare, and s>y the honest treatment of public questions without fear or favour. Having no party to uphold, no clique to serve, we shall endeavour, in as far as our judgment can guide us, to maintain the right, ( tc resist the wrong, and to promote "and stimulate in every, way we can, the pro- [ gress of the magnificent and promising . district with the fates and fortunes of which our lot is linked. ll'Jf And it is no idle epithet when we apply the terms "magnificent" and "promising " to Oamaru, with its surrounding district. The fertility of the soil, its quarries of stone and slate, have already made it famous throughout the Colonies ; and, looking forward to the time when more of those fertile lands are made productive in the fullest sense of the term, and studded with the homes of industrious and thriving settlers ; when the mineral resources of the country are really developed, and, above all, when the railway extension which nature points out in the. no great distance as concentrating in Oamaru. has connected our rising town with the Kyeburri and the other noble but yet undeveloped districts, bringing in the wealth of the west, and transmitting in return the merchandise of our commerce—with such prospects in view, not visionary, but reasonable and feasible, we think it is pardonable to regard the future of this town and district as interesting and promising to a degree not surpassed by any other district in New Zealand. /'""In the strong belief of the realisation of 'these prospects, it will be our desire tc lend every effort to their attainment. We regard settlement of the lands and railway extension as the chief means. We have no quarrel with squattprs. We believe they have done well for the country and themselves. They have increased the revenue and their own flocks, given employment to labour, and made money. For their benefits to the public they are to be commended and thanked, and for the profits to themselves they are not to be envied. But should they manifest any symptoms of a belief that the country was made for them, then we esteem it the duty of the journalist to teach them better. In primitive times the concession of their huge runs on leasehold for a number of years was, perhaps, a necessity. It is no necessity now. The peojrie now want the land, and must have it. We hold that runs, as they fall into the hands of the, Government, should be broken up into the smallest portions compatible with the possibibilities of families making a livelihood on their fragments. We hold that this should apply as well to the mere pastoral as to the most fertile arable land, and that, through public competition, the worth of the land to the country should be tested, and small farmers should find it as easy to acquire little pastoral leaseholds, as it is generally admitted they should find it easy to acquire farms. We regard the idea of re-leasing of huge areas of laud, whether arable or pastoral, as a gigantic evil, against which public feeling should be thoroughly aroused, and as one which should be s , resisted by every constitutional means j.Nancl Ave view railway extension into the interior, I whether by the Government or by private enterprise, as a question that should be urged and watched, with increasing vigilance, feeling that if the business relations of those inland districts are once formed with other ports, the good that sliould result from the Breakwater will be neutralised, and a heavy blow will be struck to the future greatness of Oamaru. In this matter, as in all others for the welfare of the district, it will be our pleasure to cordially co-operate with the local morning journal, to whose earnest and persistent advocacy of the interests of the district the public are greatly indebted. On many questions we may differ, and doubtless will differ, with our contemporary—for it is for the general interest that the various sides of every question should be shown—but we venture to think that courtesy will >invariably characterise discussion, and that both journals will be actuated by a sincere desire for the greatest good to the greatest number. With, these views and objects before us,

ye trust that the conduct of The Mail will be characterised by firmnessf. impartiality, and entire indepeixdence>lsJV'e ask no favours on profession, but lhat this journal shall be judged solely, on its merits. If false to promises, let it be meted the measure it deserves. If it deals fairly by the true interests of the public, and according to the principles of honest, fearless journalism, we ask that it receive such a share as it deserves of practical and substantial sustenance, v. T hich is as necessary to a newspaper as to any living organism. "~~jr~%