CORRESPONDENCE. CHEAP SUPERINTENDENTS.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume IV, Issue 238, 9 October 1869, Page 2

CORRESPONDENCE.

CHEAP SUPERINTENDENTS.

%* We are desirous of affording every reasonable facility for the discussion of public subjects; but it must be understood that we are in no way responsible for the opinions expressed by correspondents.

To the Editor of the Nelson Evening Mail. Sir—l was present at the nomination on Thursday where I heard Mr. Gibbs, with, as I thought, somewhat doubtful taste, declare that he would take the Superin tendency at a cheaper rate than was paid to the present holder of the office. Did it ever occur to Mr. Gibbs or to those who beard him, that, in juxtaposition to the word cheap, is often to be found another very disagreeable little adjective ? I will not make use of it myself, but let us hear what Carlyle has to say on this subject:—" Cheap and nasty j" there is a pregnancy iu that poor vulgar proverb, which I wish we better valued ! It is the rude indignant protest

of human nature against a mischief which, in all times and places, haunts it or lies near it, and which never in any time or place was so like utterly overwhelming it as now. Understand, ifyou will consider it, that no good man did, or ever should, encourage "cheapness" at the ruinous expense of unfitness. If I want an article, let it be genuine, at whatever price ; if the price is too high for me, I will go without it, unequipped with it for the present, — I shall not have equipped myself with a hypocrisy, at auy rate ! This if you will reflect, is primariliy the rule of all purchasing aud producing men. They are not permitted to encourage, patronise, or in auy form countenauce the working, wearing or acting of hypocrisies iu this world. On the contrary, they are to hate «ll such with a perfect hatred ; to do their best iu extinguishing them as the poison of mankind." I am &c, Anti-Humbug.