Original Correspondence.

Clutha Leader, Volume II, Issue 82, 3 February 1876, Page 5

Original Correspondence.

THE *« CLUTHA TIMES." ' A ' TO THE EDITOR. Sir,— l understand that there is an intention of shortly starting another papei'in balclutha in opposition to the Leader ; how I think before the bourse is adopted, there ought to exist some very good and substantial reason for it. It is not long sine& the Leader was first published, and after all the trouble which has bfcan taken and expenses incurred to obtain a circuktioh of the paper, it seems very hard lines for the promoters of the Leader that a competitor should be thus early in the field. That there is not room for two lrcal newspapers is certain. , If the LEAtiER had not adequately represented the views of the the majority in the township of Balclutha and surrounding districts on political questions, there would exist a reason for endeavoring to procure a freer exponent of public opinion. So far as I can judge from a'perusal, th 9 Leader has' hitherto tak^n. aa free and independent a course as jiny papeV,ih the Province, both on the subject of ;the Abolition of Provin&s Act, and the land laws. Before support which has hitherto been accorded to the Leader is withdrawn^ there ought to ekist undoubted evidence that the .paper haa or is ab\*>ut to depart from these principles on which it was first. started and gained popularity. As .to this rest, the Leader has usually contained a large amount of news 'ancl other interesting matter, and I believe has given satisfaction to subscribers. Under such circumstances, lam confident that public support will not be withdrawn froih the LEAD*Eft without good and efficient reason, and that thoge subscribers who have hitherto supported the Leader will continue to do. so, as long as it shews itself worthy of support. It is very doubtful .whether another paper starting in the district will, receive support enough to establish it ; certain it is that the Clutha cannot "Support two. The new paper would uhdottbtedly injure the circulation^ of. th,e Ljeader to spine extent, and might eventually be the means of depriving the district of the possession of ah organ of public opinion at all. — I am, &c, 'Observer.