LOGIC.

New Zealand Herald, Volume V, Issue 1401, 14 May 1868, Page 5

LOGIC.

To the Editor of the Herald. Sib, —It ib amusing to contemplate the varying complexions of the leading articles of the Southern Cross. Thoy change from day to day, with their writers. On Friday last appeared an article, evi dently from the pen of a gentleman "intimately acquainted with the Colonial Treasury," who writes in the interests of his paymasters, though not in that pure English on which he used to plume himself, " Prisciau a little scratched," but suppose 'twill serve for the hempen homespuns of Auckland, who have never eaten paper or drunk ink. Saturday brought forth a leader, a curiosity in its way. It hints at the faults and hesitates that dislike of Provincial institutions which it dreads to utter decidedly. I should say that it is the production of a Provincial Government official who fears for the stability of his office, and would fain make himself friends of the mammon of unrighteousness in the shape of the Central Government, but shrinks from committing himself— " Letting ' I dare not' wait upon ' I would,' like the poor cat i' the adage." The article says, in effect, "The Provincial Government has not acted as it ought to the country districts ; but if it repents and does what it cannot possibly do, the integrity of the Province may be preserved." But all this iB Baid in a manner strongly suggestive of the story of the reduced gentleman who cried "mackerel!" and hoped nobody heard him. The style, too, ia something marvellous. The move in a jerking, spasmodic fashion, B9 if afflicted with the lumbago. Then the wording is peculiar; we hear of " granting a rate in aid." Now I have heard of imposing a rate or levying a rate, but the grant of a rate is a benefit that most people would dispense with. At the end we are told if we take a leaf out of the book of the past we shall do well; that ib, if _we do what we have been doing, which it was previously impressed on us, though with bated breath, that it was very wrong to do. These are but samples. On the whole the prospect is cheering. I anticipate considerable amusement, for a while, from your contemporary's leaders. —Tours, &c., " JDatjghtbb Holding both his Sides." May 12,1868.