Correspondence.

Colonist, Issue 31, 5 February 1858, Page 3

Correspondence.

CENSURE ON MR. STAFFORD BY THE

NELSON EXAMINER,

To the Editor of the Colonist. Sir,—lt appears beyond a doubt that the editor of the above paper, in his issue of Wednesday last, censured in no measured terms the conduct of Mr. Stafford, as Prime Minister, in reference to the delay in the Judge's coming here.

I shall not trouble myself to inquire how far this censure was deserved ; I will content myself with noticing a communication headed " To Subscribers," written by Mr. C. Elliott, as the senior proprietor of the Examiner, on Saturday, the 30th ultimo.

From this communication, brief as it is, it will be readily seen how full of virtuous indignation the writer is, that " the gentleman to whom the editing of this journal is entrusted " should have "passed a censure upon the Colonial Secretary " from which he (Mr. Elliott) totally dissents. '

The fact is, that what the gentleman to whom the editing of the Nelson Examiner is deputed said of Mr. Stafford is very true;, nothing could be more. so.

The whole affair shews us, amongst other things—,-;-. ::; ■• ,'...< ■•• , ■ ••■..■•;

Ist., That; the editor of the Nelson Examiner is either a very lukewarm supporter of it, and of Mr. Elliott's party; a secret enemy of Stafford's, or an independent editor (?) one who ■will speak the truth .'

_ 2nd. That Mr. Elliott desires an .editor who will "go the whole hog with his particular views;" and that the truth shall not be spoken for fear it should offend a few of his party. 3rd. That the present editor, if he had his due, ought to be discharged forthwith, or else strongly remonstrated with.

' One sentence of Mr. C. Elliott's place 3 him (as " the senior proprietor ") in a rather unenviable position. Be says, "the article in question was not seen by me until after its publication, or I would certainly not have suffered opinions so contrary to those which lam known to entertain, to appear in a journal over which I am supposed to possess a contiol."

Is not this excuse paltry and contemptible ? I should advise him iv future always to see articles before^ and not after their publication, otherwise opinions which are so contrary to those which he is known to entertain, will again creep into the Examiner, especially if its-present lukewarm editor is retained; and thus cause a similar "notice to subscribers h to the one lam referring to be again issued.

Mr Elliott may endeavour to persuade his subscribers and others into his own belief that Mr. Stafford is immaculate—the height of perfection ; but the public, who are most concerned,

know otherwise, and will act accordingly should Mr. Stafford require their assistance in the shape of votes, &c, "twenty of which/ the Nelson Examiner says, " he would not get at the present time, he being in such bad odour." The Notice to Subscribers speaks for itself, and therefore needs no further comment from me.

I remain, Sir, Your obedient servant,

CIVIS.

Nelson, February 2nd.