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Lyttelton Times, Volume III, Issue 115, 19 March 1853, Page 9

To the Editor of the Lyttelton Times

Sir, —I have but just arrived from ray station, Avhere I have been, practically, hors dv monde for some Aveeks. I find the settlement, Avhich I had left dormant under the benignant sway of Mr. Godley, in a state of literary fermentation ; and all the pother created by (as your vegetable friend Sparrowgrass terms it) a most unsatisfactory letter left by a mysterious stranger at his lodgings. Thank Heaven, lam not a Pilgrim! From the height of my indifference I can calmly gaze upon the literary warfare raging at my feet. lam not a victim of promises unfulfilled and of hopes nipped in their bud. lam here, in this Province of Canterbury, a Squatter, too intent upon pastoral pursuits to interfere with colonial politics or local squabbles; for, as yet, my attention has not been drawn that way, nothing having come 'lAvixt the Avind and my vocation. There is, however, I clearly see, a time (Avhether a good one, is knoAvn only to the Fates) coming when I must shake off this apathy, and mix Avith the AA'orld and its turmoil. Hitherto Aye have had no questions to debate at all commensurate with the trouble involved in their discussion. Colonist Societies—bah 1 what good have they effected ? Are they not in a state of " practical dissolution ?" In Chvistchurch, one-half of the town was arrayed against the other ; about Avhat ? respectability and pot-houseism! In Lyttelton, Avhat have you dove ? Why, your Society ihas procreated another Society, Avhose proceedings have produced at least this good— a fund of merriment Avhich obliterated and extinguished the principles of " repudiation" Avhich Avere inscribed on its banners. Out of evil that benefit sprung, unintentionally.

But, you will ask, wherefore these critical and cynical remarks ? True, Mr. Editor, Avherefore ? Perpend. I am suffering under literaphobia — "the prevailing epidemic" — caught in the society of Z. Y. X. and others, and I find that my only easy moments are those Avhen I effund sheets of manuscript. I have, however, a real motive, Avhich is to protest against your columns being so completely filled Avith.'attacks on Mr. Seweli. I.am not that gentleman's advocate; far from it. He has much to ansAver for, and will. But it is ungenerous'to.,, assail him during his absence. No one has stepped forward in his behalf, unless Anti-Benedict claims that honour ; but even that Avifeiess individual "damns Avith Aunt praise." I have, as I before stated, no pergonal motives involved in the present controversy. I am a dispassionate observer, and wish to see

both sides of the question ; and that object, Sir, will neA-er be effected if you continue " pitching into" Mr. Seweli at the rate of six to eight columns per Aveek. Such a course of procedure will produce a revulsion of feeling, and a party may arise to vindicate Mr. Seweli, not actuated by any belief in his views or opinions, but solely Avith the good old English motive of not seeing a man 100 rigorously assailed in his absence. I leave it to your readers, therefore, to jodge whether it Avere not better to'wait for his return, and then extract that "truth" of Avhich Mr. Wakefield asserts him to be the depositary, and which I am persuaded he can have no motive in keeping from the colonists. If you can spare room in your valuable journal for these remarks, you will confer a favour upon, Sir, Your very obedient servant, A Squatter. Christchurch, March 16, 1853.