The Temuka Leader. TUESDAY, DECEMBER 20, 1881.

Temuka Leader, Issue 803, 20 December 1881, Page 2

The Temuka Leader. TUESDAY, DECEMBER 20, 1881.

In the last issue of this paper theie appeared an article announcing that its late owner and editor had severed his connection with it, through having disposed of it to a new proprietor. This, we suppose, renders it necessary for us to uvike a few remarks by way of introducing ourselves, although it would be more in accordance with our own feelings to glide quietly iuto business and say nothing at all about it, more especially as this is no new venture, and we have not the stereotyped excuse of "supplying a want long felt" to offer. There can bo no doubt, however, that a local paper is- required in this district. The views of outside papers are manifestly antagonistic to the interests of the community as a whole, and unless there is a paper here to ventilate their grievances, and advocate their their opinions will always be misrepresented, and their interests neglected. It therefore behoves the people to patronise their own local papsr, and we have no doubt that they will do so. The fact that it has lived under adverse circumstances, through years of greal commercial depression, and has, according to its laie proprietor, been a commercial indicates that the people recognise its utility, and have given it their support and countenance accordingly. The assurance of the- continuance of this support has induced us to throw in our lot with the people of Temuka. We know, from personal experience, that the people here are amongst the most active, energetic, and independent in the colony, and that they will never submit to dictation from outside sources. This makes us feel confident th&to they will give all the support they can to the paper which they know will always advocate their cause, and do everything in its power to promote the interests of the district. To do this shall henceforth be the aim and object of this paper. It has not, and shall not have, any other object to serve than that which benefits this district. It has no connection with any party, sect, or clique ; to use a familiar if not a classic phrase,, it is under nobody's thumb, and, therefore, it can always afford to be independent, and deal fairly and justly with everyone. The interests of the district are inseparable from those of its own, and therefore it can be relied upon to. advocate to the utmost of its capability,, whatever will tend to progression and general advancement in-this locality. The last issue states thnt it has hitherto been conducted in the Liberal cause, and so far no alteration shall take place in its political views. But, though we may profess and uphold Liberalism, we shall not blindly advocate its principles except so far as we can conscientiously feel that the result will be beneficial to the majority of the people. We shall never be found bolstering up a bad cause for the sake of principle. vVe will not be found so obstinate as thatacqunintance of Sam Weller, who killed himself "in support of his great principle that crumpets wos wholesome,'" but shall examine, calmly and dispassionately, public questions from an independent standpoint, and support and condemn as we think they will affect the colony at large, and this district in particular. Their very worst foes must admit that the-present Ministry have done a great deal of good during their term of office. They have effected reform in the Civil Service, and passed Liberal and useful measures. While they continue to do so s they shall receive credit for it at our hands, but, until they show that they have the interests of the people at large more truly at heart, we cannot repose full confidence in them. Our views on the various questions now agitating the public mind shall be given from time to time, as the occasion arises, fearlessly and independently, and consequently we think that theße few

remarks as regards politics are sufficient to indicate the line of policy we intend to pursue. Our columns shall always be open to correspondents .vho may favor U' with their views on public questions, but ia no instance shall any person, sect, or clique, find this journal a means of exposing the secrecy of private life. Journalism is degraded when it meddles in social matters which have no public significance, and can only annoy, and perliaps injure, those to whom ii refers. Its. proper functions are to give, as. it were, a hi.story of passing events, to. foster and direct public opinion, and correct public abuses. There are many crimes committed in social life and many cruel burning 1 wrongs perpetrated which "the strong nrm of the law" can never reach, and it is the duty of the Press to expose these and hold the evildoers up xo scorn, so that the public may know and beware of them. A paper that observes these principles cannot prove otherwise than useful, as the fear of exposure will prevent many wrongs being done, and thus the morality of the community in which it circulates will be raised. On the other hand, if it descends to slander :nd personalities the public loses respect for it, and even when it is right they will not trust it. These are our -dews as regards the principles upon which a, newspaper ought to be conducted, and to these we shall strictly adhere. We shall always be ready to ventilate public questions, but never lo try into the secrecy of private life. This being essentially an agricultural district, and the subject being totally ignored by the papers circulating in it, we shall make it a point to make agricultural news a feature of the paper, so that farmers may receive the -information most suitable to fcheir position in life. In order to carry out this view, we have nuide arrangements which, in due course, will enable us to get the best agricultural papers-published, and from these we shall select such news as in our judgment will | prove most useful-and interesting to the farmers. With these few r3marks we send this issue of the Leader to the public. In the course of time we expect to effect great improvements in it, and we trust that the public will recognise our I efforts to do our best for the interests of the district, and encourage us by their, support.