Nelson Colonist sharply reproves the Post for the carping criticism indulged in by the latter organ anent the leasing of the Ministerial residences. Says the Colonist

Those ignorant of the tone of our contem porary might well opine that its remarks were of the nature of a two-edged sword that thej are intended to strike those having such dis regard for the proprieties as to live m W el ling ton save on a scale of magnificence commensurate with the grandeur of the Empire Citv, and that they are also intended to cut down any bold enough to aspire to office, however able or patriotic they may e, unless they are rich men. As to those who are not ignorant, we cannot help it if they feel no doubt whatever.—Now, as to these Minis terial residences, a question was assed m the House last session, when the Premier replied in effect that all those residences were let, save the house in the Tinakon road, and con cerning that building he said that so far as the present Ministry were concerned their present salaries would not allow of one of them taking up his residence in that tenement. He was perfectly outspoken, none of the present Ministers could afford to live on the required scale of grandeur, and if this be a sm we are sure that outside of Wellington there are few who will not condone the offence. Just recently Ministers invited offers for leasing these residences, which are merely monuments of previous extravagance, and because tliej are seeking to make the best arrangements possible in the interests of the Colony, and are unable to live extravagantly, they are sneered at and attacked most unjustifiably.
