ORIGINAL CORRESPONDENCE

Patea Mail, Volume III, Issue 263, 17 October 1877, Page 2

ORIGINAL CORRESPONDENCE

[We arc at all times ready to give expression to every shade of opinion, but in no case do wo hold ourselves responsible for the sentiments of our correspondents.]

ABOUT LETTER WRITING. {To the Editor of the Patea Mail.) Mr Editor, —Your correspondent, “ Reform,” instead of writing such pompous stuff as appeared in your last edition, would, I think, improve himself by reading “ Thackeray’s Book of Snobs.” If any letters appear with scurrilous language, or contain rash statements or untruths, he would bo acting more like a man of the world by attacking the writers. His whole letter is the most whining, vain effusion I have seen in the columns of a newspaper. His idea of people’s opinion at a distance —well, I don’t think they will gain much by the reading of his letter. The Press generally will look upon his letter as a quiet way to coerce, Mr Editor, or to refuse all letters that would tend to unravel and mutilate all transactions that did not suit his vanity. “ Reform’s” remarks with reference to being grieved at letters in your paper, and making it obnoxious to some subscribers, and his remarks about the dependence of country papers, brings me to the question of state of mind of “ Reform.” It is very evident that, without being insane, he is suffering from vanity and pomposity, to an extent nearly amounting to madness. Trusting, Mr Editor, you will excuse my advice, viz.—to publish any letter that you believe to bo true, and let others prove the reverse—l am, &c., REFORMATION. [Note —If editor’s published only such letters as were deemed strict'y true—unprejudiced—few letters would ever be published. Writers, as a rule, represent only one side of any case. Even when both sides have been heard, it is difficult to decide where the truth lies. All needed is, that temperate language should be used, and personalities avoided.— Ed. Mail.]

SUNDAY SCHOOL. {To the Editor of the Patea Mail.) Sir, —In looking over the columns of your last issue, I observed a letter from a resident, in which ho mentions the prosperity of the school in connection with the Wesleyan Church at Hawera. I was very glad to hear that it was in such a flourishing state, and hope that it may continue so ; also that good may be done in proportion to the numbers that attend. I would like, however, to give Mr .Resident a hint, and that is—he ought to be sure that what he sends to you for publication is correct. There have been several misrepresentations in your paper lately, that I think have come from pretty near the same source. I will only notice the last, which is that the Presbyterians intend to form a school in connection with their denomination. The statement is not correct, as they have no intention at present of anything of the sort. The school is conducted on the same principles as when first started. Hoping resident has not got an eye to the loaves and fishes, —I am, &c., ANOTHER RESIDENT. Hawera, October 15, 1877.

A warm debate was concluded by Legitimate Trade being declared strictly honest. Various amusements followed. The Society intends to close the season with an open entertainment on Thursday next, 18th instant.