The Rev Mr Towgood has written us a lengthy communication on the subject of our remarks on the Resident Magistracy of the West Coast, and we have too much respect for our correspondent not to give the'subject of his letter full consideration. To the style of the criticism we must take a preliminary objection. A recent para graph forms the staple- of Mr Towgood's argument, and then lie proceeds to press into his case rumours, suspicions, con jectures and doubts, in a manner which prevents that close sequence of facts and inference in reply, which as journalists we desireito adhere to. Now in the first place Major Marshall's influence and posi tion in the district we have not questioned or tried to abate. It is represented in the columns of the local paper that a memorial in favour of reinstating Major Willis is being got up. Jn the presence of certain facts, we thought and think that people who could lend themselves to such a thing, without first considering the primary question of the regulations laid down for holding Courts in the district, Avere acting injudiciously. The distinction between a testimonial to Major Willis and a me morial of the kind stated, must be care fully kept in view. We could heartily subscribe to the former, for honest and conscientious services rendered in his magisterial capacity ; we could not sub scribe to the latter because a greater question— the wellfare of the settlers ought first to be considered. It is strange that Mr Towgood is unable to see the distinction. What are the facts in refer ence to the administration of justice 1 That -strong representations from all parts of Rangitikei were made to the member on the subject of the infre quent holding of Courts, which had been attended with great loss to the settlers. This is the public question on which we have written. If we have written strongly at any time it is only because we thought we saw an attempt- to, evade the" carrying out of regulation's ! which we fully believe will, be attended with great advantage to the whole district, and give very gene ral satisf action, It does appear to us that

At the meeting of the Library Committe last evening it was found that 193 names could be depended on lo form the basis of a public library. 