AustLit

The writer for the Colonist disapproves of Edward O'Shaughnessy's role as editor of the Sydney Gazette. The writer argues that 'there are certain situations of importance to the public in the colony which an emancipist cannot hold, however throroughly reformed he may be, and however irreproachable his subsequent conduct'. Even leaving aside the moral grounds of O'Shaughnessy's appointment as editor, the Colonist declares that the ex-convict is 'quite destitute of the talent and vigour of mind which are indispensably necessary in such an office'.

The writer for the Colonist also reflects on the general low tone of colonial newspapers and hopes that a more properly qualified person may emigrate from England to take up an editorial role and raise the standard of New South Wales newspapers.