The Dunstan Times. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 1871.

Dunstan Times, Issue 498, 3 November 1871, Page 2

The Dunstan Times.

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 1871.

Beneath the Rule of Men entirely .j ust the pen is mightier than tlie sword ~~i —— nnii n iiiiiii jiibui mu ,

In the present state of general depression and lack of stimulus to commer•cial purs Its prevailing in this district, as-elsewhere throughout Now Zealand, it becomes a matter for consideration whether it is not a public duty on the part of those on whom has devolved the control and development of our resources, to devise some well-digested snd practicable scheme for the advancement of tiie public interests, and <he ptudenb extension of trading 'Operations. Under existing circumstances, it is -but too evident that, from want of population, surplus capital, and other essential necessaries, the developments oar vast mineral resources must, for the'time ..being tpuceeed but tardily, and, as a correla tive consequence, the agricultural interest must likewise languish. The Dunstan District is, in fact, in the position of a vase estate locked up in Chancery. Its wide-spread acres teem with hidden wealth ; but a crushiu g all-potent influence, unseen, but sorely felt, prevents its utilization. Now, 'that miners, either working men or capitalists, will not care to develops our mineral wealth unless under the powerful induce'»ent of cheap living and concomitant advantages, it is a question of how, when, or-where the first effort would be most, wisely made to give an impetus alike to mining and agricultural industry. ISuugmg at once in medians we lecall atteu tion to'action taken some th reeyet r since, for doubtless sutficien hut which reasons, lapsed into nothingness, and has-ainco been well nigh forgotten. It was suggested that the erection of a Hour mill would prove of the utmost utility, inasmuch as the quantity ot land under cultivation was rapidly extending, and it was confidently expected that larger areas would be still further opened for agricultural operations. The want of a mill was even then deeply felt, and the success of a similar ■undertaking in a neigh oring district was set forth as a bright example and proof of ultimate success. But the scheme Fell through, or rather, has •since remained in abeyance. The idea has just mow been revived, and c m li"‘eut opinions am express.! 1 that a “‘Dunstau District Flour Mill” would

prove a most useful and reproductive institution. The quantity of land under the plough is annually extending, and, with a local market for ■ > r rain, a still further impetus would -be given to ike cultivation of cereals, while the price of flour to the nonproduoing consumer would be perceptibly lessened. Tea e transactions with neighboring places would also be extended, money (nought into more i eady cii dilation, and thus all classes ! benefittrd. Il might be easily shown that a supply of water from various sources could be rendered available as a motive power, and that the preliminary expenses and entire cost oi construction need not amount to any startling figure. But this is at pre sent unnecessary The scheme, in fact, requires but the energetic action of a few practical men to be success iul y floated. A small company once formed, shares would be taken freely, and the working out of practical detail-- would then become a subject t deliberation for the Directors.