"LEADING JOURNALS.

Tuapeka Times, Volume III, Issue 110, 17 March 1870, Page 7

" LEADING JOURNALS.

We often see quotations in variouspapei's from the " leading journal " of such a place, given in a manner which says, "these statements are undoubtedly orthodox,." Now as it is very convenient to hold such a position that one can say, " I am Sir Oracle, and when I open my lips, let no dog bark,"* we are anxious to know what constitutes a "leading journal." Is it size? If so, it is a very poor pre-eminence,, for the largest sheets are generally the worst filled.. Is it quality of paper I In that case the palm must be at once awarded -to the "Southland Times." Is it pretension ? it must be given to the "Auckland Advertiser." Is ithaving the ear of the Grovemment ? the. "'Southern Cross" and "Independent'" must devide.. Dees it consist in giving* unqualified support to the powers that be on the prineiple> "That this is law I will maintain Until my dying day, Fbr whatever King shall reign, I*ll still be "Vicar of Bray " ? The "Independent" may proudly claim... the title. Is it true independence of* thought and speech, which studies the> public interest, and is not afraid to tell unpleasant truths because- some highly placed individual m-igh-t be offended I Ah, no — such papers are not avowed-, to- " lead " in New Zealand — they areif possible not allowed to live. Journals must say what is agreeable, or else they are punished by withdrawal of support. It is not expedient at all times to tell the truth. The price of leadersliifKthen is apparently subserviency, and like Falstaff " we will none of it."—" Wek lington Evening Post."

Between twelve and one o'clock one Monday morning latcly s the Dewsburypolice, with assistance, made a capture of a couple of notorious burglars. A. few days aga information reached 1 Superintendent Miller, to the effect that a burglary was to be committed at the pawn shop of Mr. Greenwood, Ch-urch-street, Manchester, where ifc was known that a valuable stock of plate*, watches,, and jewellery was stored; and on, Sunday* the shop was. taken charge of by police officers, whi> were secreted on shelves and otherplaces. About midnight two men, named? Job Lee and John Hartley, opened the shop door by means of skeleton keys, and as soon. aa. they gotinside, the police, under the directioa of Superintendent Millar and* Detective Inspector Devenport, of Manchester, pounced upon them. The fellow* were armed with a revolver (two chambers loaded) ; aud "jemmies," a life preserver, and: other burglarious implements were found in» their possession. They prepared to- show fi^hi, but the superior number of police prevented them from- doing 1 any mischief. Lse is well knowa by the West Riding police, and Hartley was " wanted " on? a charge- of being concerned in the plunder of £1200 from the premisesof Messrs. Martindale &■ Co,, of Man-. Chester, a short time ago,. ~ Three Alpine tourists have perished? from cold on. the, Gfcrea.fc Sainjt B^-k n&rds