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Auckland Star, Volume VI, Issue 1658, 11 June 1875, Page 2

We are very glad to learn that out of its penury the Provincial Government have generously consented to do an act of justice to the much-neglected but promising district of the East Coa.t, by granting a subsidy for the calling of a steamer off Awanui, or in unfavourable weather, at Hicks' Bay. It will be reco'leefce;! that a very earnest request by memorial and petition was, some months ago, forwarded to the General Government asking for this boon ; and it augurs very litbla for the paternal solicitude of that central administration that the small favour asked for — about a hundred pounds a year for a monthly connection between that long range of coast and the outside world—was promptly and emphatically refused. As

the service between Auckland, Poverty Bay, and Napier, is subsidised from the general revenue—the grant being wrung out of the Government by a vote in the Assembly as a measui'e oE justice as against subsidies granted to the South Island services—this small addition might we think have been reasonably male ; but the refusal is only another illustration of the contemptuous indifference which a Wellington Government may be expected to mete out when any of our local interests call out for aid. On failing with the General Government, the petitioners addressed themselves to our Superintendent, and, as it appears, with success. The subsidy granted by ' the Provincial Government is ten pounds per trip, and it is impossible to overestimate the advantage that it will confer oa that rich but undeveloped land of oil springs and fertile hills and dales. Accordingly, the A.S.P. Company's steamer will call off Awanui each time in passing, and by a (Idgs.aff and boat service, which will doubtless soon be supplied by the resident?, the means of communication with the steamer will be supplied, and that hitherto almost terra incognita will be brought within easy access to enterprising touris .3 and investors from Auckland.