Letter to the Editor

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 8, Issue 455, 23 November 1864, Page 3

Letter to the Editor

Wanganui, Nov: 19, 1864. Sir, —Tn perusing the columns of the ‘ New Zealand Advertiser’ of the 10th .Nov., I found a paragraph stated to be an extract f rom the ‘ Lyttelton Times’ of the 3rd inst. Referring to the subject of the separation of Timaru from Canterbury, I cannot help contrasting . the difference of opinion there expressed with the opinions of the ‘ Wellington Independent’ on several occasions on the subject of Wangauui separating from Wellington. The question arose to my mind on reading the extract—Why should such a difference of opinion exist ? Evidently the opinion of the ‘ Lyttelton Times’ is that Timaru will benefit by separation, consequently though regretting the dismemberment, it will not argue against the movement, on the enlightened ground that it is most natural for Englishmen to endeavor to obtain and secure their rights. How different with the ‘ Wellington Independent,’ the ‘ Spectator,’ and the «nti-separationists of Wanganui. Surely there must be an object for the uni emitting opposition that has been shown by an interested few to the movement here. There surely must be something more on the part of the Wellingtonians than a desire to benefit Wanganui by constant support from their revenue ; such a desire on their pait would cert; irly be most magnanimous, but taking the pr< sent acts of. the Superintendent in selling (sa rificingj?) eveiy acre of waste laud in these disti cts, st >pping the grants in aid and public woi-togene; ally, I cannot say they are actuated by generosity. There might be a desire on the part of a few of the most selfish of the Wangauuites to receive gratuities and be dependent on a few they can rely on as patrons, from experience, and that may in a measure account for the exertions of a few individuals in Wanganui, but 1 am glad to see that the selfish and interested few are in the minority, as the signing of the several memorials will plainly show. I beg to thank the ‘ Advertiser’ for the few liberal remarks which end its leader. I am, &c., Jons ]\l okgas .