The Patea Mail. Published Wednesdays and Saturdays WEDNESDAY, APRIL 5, 1876.

Patea Mail, Volume II, Issue 1, 5 April 1876, Page 2

The Patea Mail. Published Wednesdays and Saturdays WEDNESDAY, APRIL 5, 1876.

"When changes take place in the proprietary of newspapers, it is usual for the new comer, or new comers, as the ease may he, to say a lew words on his own or their own behalf; and as with this issue a new proprietor takes charge of the Patea Mail, it may not he amiss to follow the usual custom. As has already been stated, the task of establishing a newspaper in Patea has not been a light one, ami onr readers can form but a slight estimate of tin; difficulties always surrounding such enterprises. Happily these have been surmounted to u great degree, but at the same time, the public, if they care tor an organ specially devoted to their local interests, must continue to give their cordial support, or he content to go unrepresented. As was planted out in a recent issue, every place of any importance in the Colony lias now its newspaper. It is not so much that these supply as full news of the day as may be found in the larger journals, but they supply a want ; they chronicle small things possibly, but in those small things arc contained local requirements, local claims, and local representation. Those cannot be urged by papers at a distance with half the effect, neither do they meet with equal attention from (he authorities, as when preferred by a local journal. The very fact of a newspaper lining 7'nhlishcd in a district gives a kind of prestige or standing, and obtains acknowledgmcntina way hardly generally understood. If a district expects full recognition, it must have its own organ, and this is pretty well admitted throughout the Colony. It is of course a mutual advantage alike to the proprietor and the public, for however philanthropic journalists may he, tin*}' have not ns yet arrived at that standard of benevolence that would induce them to he of benefit to the general public, without at least hoping to derive some advantage for themselves. Wc make these remarks in order to point out to the community here that there must be some mutuality in the contract, and that, in order to maintain a newspaper in the district, liberal support must he accorded. Up to the present time this has been freely given, ami the new proprietor trusts that it will bo equalled, if not exceeded, in the future. Some little heartburnings have arisen during the past year, but these arc almost inseparable from the publication of a newspaper in a small place; and now, as the causes will probably bo set at rest, it is (o bo hoped that all but good and cordial feeling will die out. There shall be nothing wanting to, ns far as possible, render the Patea Mate an honest exponent of public opinion in the district, to advocate everything that will promote the welfare of its people, and a.t the same time bo fair and impartial in all criticisms that may from time to time be necessary to make on public men or public matters. This much the new proprietor will promise, and lie asks the readers of the Mail to judge him by his acts and by results. Uy these he is willing to stand or fall, and by such tests to be supported or otherwise. It io not necessary to bo more elaborate or prefuse in pledges, but ho may soy that Ids future interest is bound np in Patea, that with its advancement lie hopes to prosper, and that with its retrogression he must suffer. The interests of the paper are the interests of the public. If one prospers, so will the other, and therefore it is clear that reciprocity should be established. Hoping that such may be the case, and that the support anticipated will be freely tendered, the incoming proprietor thus makes his bow to the people of Patea, hoping that the connection will prove equally pleasant and beneficial to all concerned.