The Government Type. ( To the Editor of the Southern Cross.)

Daily Southern Cross, Volume I, Issue 38, 6 January 1844, Page 3

The Government Type. ( To the Editor of the Southern Cross.)

Sir, — My object in calling your attention, in my last letter, to the Barter or Sale of Type which took place between the late Government and the worthy printer of the Chronicle, a short time since, was that the public might be informed of the terms of that transaction. It is well known that the Government Printing Materials cost the Colony a pretty round sum — and it is but just that the people should know how they have been disposed of. It seems, sir, from your silence, that you know little of the affair in question — as, indeed, very few do — secrecy being enjoined in the bargain ; but the Chronicle of Wednesday last notices my enquiry by stating — that after having supplied the Proprietor of the Times with sufficient type to print that paper, he has still as much left as would print two others. — But can the printer of the Chronicle deny having been placed in a position to do so by receiving from, the Government Printing Office, about 3 weeks ago, 150 or 160lbs. of type, on conditions best known to himself and other parties concerned 1 * His reply to my letter is entirely evasive. If this sale and purchase was made by fair and honest dealing, then why are thy facts concealed and hidden ? If otherwise, their concealment and evasion are useless, for that the types have been removed from, the Government to the Chronicle office, can, and will be proved by parties in full acquaintance with that transaction, and who, in consequence of certain occurrences of the week, may do so without the risk of any personal inconvenience. I trust that His Excellency Captain Fitzroy will not be kept in the dark respecting the former type felony, which was hushed up so quietly. Public satisfaction demands that the whole proceeding should be re-investi-gated, and that the entire property purchased from the Printing Company should be fully accounted for. — I am, sir, &c, Observer. Manukau Road, Auckland, Dec. 28, 1843.