TUESDAY, JULY 10, 1906. EDITORIAL.

Northland Age, Volume 2, Issue 49, 10 July 1906, Page 4

TUESDAY, JULY 10, 1906. EDITORIAL.

We deem it expedient for us, lest the influence of this journal should suffer, to refute certain statements which have been made, reflecting on its public probity, We refer to a rumour which has gained currency to the effect that an attempt is being made, or has been made, to have the control of the paper placed in the hands of a clique, who would make use of its columns for political purposes. Were it not that the present state of the political atmosphere tends to induce the community to give credence to the report, we should treat as absurd the likelihood ofany such contingency. When our readers consider the policy outlined by us some four months ago, and the attitude we have maintained since then; when they consider also that the “ Age " is owned by a large company of shareholders, and that that company comprises men and women of all shades of political opinion ; the utter absurdity of the canard will become apparent. Is it conceivable that the shareholders and their Directors would allow their paper to be converted into a party • machine, or that we would wantonly break faith with our ..Id and numerous new supporters, whose confidence we have' gained materially on the assurance that the conduct of the paper would be strictly, “ uncompromisingly ” non-partizan ? We detest cliquism. We have lived sufficiently long to have observed its disastrous effects on the social and moral being of small communities especially. The welfare of the North in the past has been greatly retarded by the influence of class prejudice. Anything which has been mooted, for the good of the people as a whole, has been viewed with suspicion, lest one centre should grow into greater prominence than another. Petty jealousy has been rampant and wire-pulling the order of the day, and while coteries have been vieing one with another the North has made comparatively little advance. Now, however, a greater spirit of tolerance .is becoming noticeable between all concerned, which gives promise that in the near future a degree of unanimity will be attained which shall be‘productive of good. To ensure the-progress of the North we require strong public men, who will realise that a little self-denial is necessary, instead of the sacrifice of the general interests in the ends of personal gain or notoriety. For ourselves we have no axes to grind, no inclination nor intention to lickspittle to anyone, and we shall endeavour always to keep our columns free from prejudice; for such reason we hope for success. The shareholders, while maintaining distinct views, have one common interest—to promote the welfare of the North—and, while we desire to avoid giving offence to Individuals, we will always be pleased to give publicity to anything emanating from any cried, so long as the opinions expressed are consistent, with justice.