THE BEST EVIDENCE.
WHEN you want to know the truth about men, ask themselves. Governor FITZROY of New Zealand, we would infer, fully appreciates this maxim, if we are truly informed that he has settled the merits of the Wairoa massacre on the ex parte evidence of the two chiefs most deeply implicated in the murders. But we may find illustrations nearer home. Our great River Conservancy examined the captains of steamers respecting the new regulations for preventing accidents on the Thames. The fresh-water sailors were unanimous in praise of their own habitual conduct. One proved that they never went too quick, because he had never run down any one ; another, that they never overcrowded their boats, because " the closer you pack peo- ple the less danger there is." The Conservancy, hearing of doubts respecting the propriety of intrusting the enforcement of their regulations to the Watermen's Company, as having a partial interest in river-navigation, examined some members of the Company ; who soon satisfied their Worships that the fear was unfounded. At this rate, Lord STANLEY might prove himself a good Colonial Minister.
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