THURSDAY.NOVEMBER 19,1891.

Feilding Star, 19 November 1891, Page 2

THURSDAY.NOVEMBER 19, 1891.

Although kings and Emperors may say they have no desire for war, and statesmen declare there is to be no European conflict, yet the humbler classes of people who are the really the most! interested, do : not accept these utterances with, the sublime credulity of absolute faith. We learn by cablegram that owing to the rumours of coming war Mussulmans are leaving the Dobrudscha, a district in Koumania between the Danube and the Black Sea, by thousands. They have accurate means of judging, because when war is near at hand forced levies are made on their numbers to fill the ranka of the army with ■ soldiers, and they know by sad experience a conscript official is indifferent as to the religious beliefs of anybody so long as he can get men. Kussia is evidently suspicious of Germany, because the Novbsti has declared that ' the latter Poweris preparing to strike 1 Russia while in !the throes of famine, and that is obviously the opinion of the Russian (Joyernment, because no newspaper in that land of slaves dare publish such a statement without permission of the; Minister. Whether the deficiency shown in their budget of hundred and/ fifty million marks which they have to cover by a loan, will keep the Germans quiet, remains to be seen, but: of this we may rest assured: that Germany will never go to war with. Russia, unless driven to rit by the attacks of France. Whatever may ,be the immediate excuse wfieh war does, break out, the true exciting cause will be the undying hatred which unhappily obtains between France and Germany.

Accepting as correct the report of our Ashurst correspondent on the subject of the mess made by the Kailway Department, in omitting to send an officer to issue tickets on the 9th and 11th instants, we think that out of this evil good may arise for our Ashurst neighbours. If the settlers and townsfolk of that energetic section of the Manchester Block, make representation to the railway authorities in proper form, their want of a station master at Ashurst would soon be supplied. The railway Commissipners are not the men to let the slightest chance of making money escape them, and in our opinion they would actually be grateful — if officials can experience that feeling — to their petitioners for calling attention to this golden opportunity. We would suggest that they take time by the forelock, and commence to agitate at once, so that they may have the same conveniences as other people on the coming Christmas and New Tear Holidays.

Tub resignation of Lord Onslow has excited universal regret among all sections of the community. His Excellency haa not only made himself personally liked by the people, hut has shown tact and ability in the discharge of his public functions. We believe that in him the colony has secured a sincere and powerful friend, and as he has made himself thoroughly acquainted with: the capabilities and resources of the colony, that knowledge will doubtless be used to our advantage when the opportunity offers. The reason assigned for the resignation is that important business connected with his private estates renders his return Home imperative. It is expected that Lord Onslow will leave Wellington in January next.

The proposal to settle Maoris in this district on Crown Lands is very unfavorably looked on by the Europeans already in occupation in the neighbourhood. A correspondent in Apiti writes to the effect that great disgust is felt there at the contemplated settlement of Maoris between the Oroua river and Coal creek, and a petition in opposition is being sent round for signature. This injustice to the white settlers on the Small Farm Blocks is keenly felt, and everyone interested in the slightest degree should assist in the movement. We , : have already draw attention to this unpleasant subject, and now all we can recommend it for the people to agitate. Our correspondent informs us that a copy of the petition has been sent to Mr E. Goodbehere, of Feilding, who has had, at the same time, placed in his hands the fullest details. Why landless Maoris should be given greater advantages than hard-working Europeans who have made this land fit for selection, by opening up the adjacent country and making good roads out of loans which they repay in rates, it is difficult even to conjecture, especially when it is -svellknown that the collection of rates from Maoris would be an impossibility.