IN THE STREET.

Bay of Plenty Times, Volume I, Issue 66, 19 April 1873, Page 3

IN THE STREET.

Thb last few days our inhabitants have had many things to interest them, one or two really affecting the progress of the place, as, for instance, the operation, or rather suspension, of the Militia Act in the district. When the Militia naradee are not absolutely necessary, they are useless and a particular nuisance ; and if, as the Government of the day wish the world to be convinced, “ there is peace,” why continue a practice indicative of alarm or danger. Brave all military display to the Volunteer corps : they have become standing institutions. Both at home and abroad Volunteering is looked upon as a means of recreation j but the term Militia, especially in this neighbourhood, is associated with former hard service and interminable drill. The petition to the Hon. the Postmaster, asking for a subsidy for this side of Tauto, i» respectful but to the point. Much might be adduced in favour of, not only postal communication, bnt any step to open up traffic or facilitate communication. In fact, every mail coach which runs through a new inland district tends more to prove the efficiency of the Ministerial policy than any number of the best written despatches Mail coach t ravelling is existing proof of the safety and peaceable character of a country ; and had the Hon Mr Casey, from Victoria, made his journey through New Zealand on the top of a coach, I doubt much if even bis imagination or fears would have given rise to such absurd statements as those be has inflicted upon the public. It is to be hoped the author if ies have seen Mr Casey’s narrative, and that for the future not even the courtesj which sent a sergeant of the Armed Constabulary

** guide, shall be twisted into a vision of danger and a necessity fo-,military escort. The meeting ff- -.'constituents by our M.P.O. as usual gave f ' worthy gentleman an opportunity of lee an his great self-abnegation and want of eg* "o*tn. I carefully listened, and » >ok (mental) notes for future guidance. The meeting took up shout an hour and a half, thus subdivided :—Fifteen minutes our representative was bewailing the depravity of “ W ate payer,’* in writing to the pr*ss without giving him (Mr Dougins) his name, “as, had the meanest of hi* constituents written to him for an explanation, ho would gladly have given him one.” Meanwhile » Wa f certain gentlemen, and throwing what he intended to be significant, looks in various directions, really challenging those whom ho considered the possible writers. Five minute* taken up in denials and applause (difficult to say tor whom) ; twenty-jive minutes lecture on the advantages of education ord the beauties of the Provincial Act ; fine minutes spell whilst the audience indulged in desultory conversations ten minutes amusing narrative of the doings of the Auckland Provincial Council, with a history of “ Fancy Motions" by an M.P.O. ; ten minutes explanation, or rather enumeration of what our local representative had done for Tauranga, with a few remarks on his personal interest with the Jtxecutive, and own humility-—by bimself; J*v<s minutes ridiculous sparring between the M.P.O. and a constituent about £li J public account or highway grant; fee minutes indignant remonstrance, by various constituents, against certain expressions used by M.P.O. j ten minutes squabbling over a vote of confidence, which, after all, Ido not consider was really obtained. Taking all things into consideration, the meeting wa# very instructive. Information gratuitously given proves that the sooner Provincial institutions are done away with the better. Another th ; ng I meat allude to, as it is a auojoct interesting to a large portion of the community—or, at, all events, to land proprietors—and that is the Katikati Koad. I some time since spoke of the inconvenience and comparative uselessness of a simple bridle truck, especially across swamos. The sequel proves my surmises were correct—the bridle t .*ck gave way. A certain amount of credit is due to the Government for sending the Armed Constabulary farce to repair damages and widen the road ; but really it is useless, unless the road bo at once made wide enough f< r a dray. A broad footway is no good, and to attempt hereafter to widen with the present base will be, not only a matter of great expense, but also of difficulty— a«, without catting away, it is impossible, or next door to it, to make a firm joint with underlying fascines. At all events, a good road to the Wairoa should be made. Pk Vft.T ltfl