LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Dominion, Volume 7, Issue 1870, 2 October 1913, Page 8

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

ONAHAU WATER TUNNEL. Sir, —For somo few years proposals and schemes for this most valued convenienco to settlers have not been brought to a successful business transaction, duo in tho main part, 1.0 lack of a "lead" in the matter of acquiring the full and complete data to base the annual cost to the settlers in Sounds and Piotou Borough. The cost would be met by means of a special vote, and by raising a loan. Tho interest would bo very small for each individual settler to pay, basing tho interest as against current charges on goods as at present convoyed. No one can possibly estimate the inestimable good such an undertaking would bo to two-thirds of tho settlers in the Sounds, and tho great and lasting benefit such ail undertaking would he for Picton and tho freezing works. It wotild bo short and easy to convey stock from tho-Sounds from farm to works, without in any way deteriorating the stocli by shipping, in lieu of driving as at present. Tho fact remains that this tunnel will eventually be an accomplished fact; people will go with tho times, and what benefits tho Sounds must be good ror district, and all will eventually realise tho importance of such an undertaking. Once this muoh-talked-of waterway is opened, it will bo the stopping-stone to a larger scheme, and this will be the cutting of a neck at Elaine 13ay, which would thus give smooth water to Nelson. Nelson would thus benefit as it would lesson tho distance to Picton, and would popularise tho Sounds district to such' a great extent that the land now at an ordinary price per acre, would be eagerly sought after at double tho rate; holdings as at present would bo further subdivided, and -the population would naturally be very much increased bv new industries being established. Would it not bo in tlip interest of all, if some entrrprising men called a meeting to discuss the matter on broad lines, and ascertain what a tunnel would cost, with a viow of striking a special rato to get a special loan for the purpose. Tho Picton Borough Council, in conjunction with a representative member from the Sounds, could discuss the matter and formulate a scheme- for carrying out tile work. The late Government offered to subsidise tho work on a £ for £ subsidy. This shows something was thought of it.—l am, ctc.. S MAHAU SOUND.

THE REBUKE TO THE MEMBER \FOR HUTT.

Sir, —In your issue of' this morning,' when discussing tho member for Huttj Mr. T.. iM. Wilford, you made a slight error in tho name of tho constituent who was promised a job—without advertising. Mulvaney was the name, not. Mulcahy. Tho Feilding "Star" writer deserves tho thanks of the community for rebuking the member for Hutt. The sound conditions which now prevail around tlio countryside arc in striking contrast to the present Opposition who have been engaged of late in probing '"mare's nests." —I am, etc., CALEB WATSON. October 1. 11