Untitled

Feilding Star, Volume XIII, Issue 129, 28 April 1892, Page 2

Wb are indebted to the Dunedin Star for the information that Premier Playford, of South Australia, who recently went to India to learn the prospects of obtaining colored labor for the Northern Territory, was interviewed at Port Darwin on the 2nd instant m to his mission. Though he was perfectly willing to supply the details of his tour, Mr Playboy declined to express any opinion on the scheme for a State farm until he has seen the land said to be suitable for agriculture and had made comparisons. Valuable suggestions were offered him by prominent officials in India, and the result of his investigation satisfied him that there would be no difficulty in obtaining suitable laborers for the Territory, but an experienced European manager would be essential. Tamils had been recommended on all sides as the hest class of laborers, and, as the coolies go freely to Buruiah and Ceylon, it is not expected that there will be any trouble in inducing them to go to Port Darwin. The trouble will be with "The Labor Party " in Australia.

In the early days of a country town like Feilding it is admitted that street lighting may be deemed a luxury which the residents can dispense with, and which country visitors should not require because they ought to be well on their several ways home before nightfall, But, as the population of the town increases, and good roads make it safe for farmers to ride or drive with perfect safety however dark the night may be, then it becomes a matter of profit as well necessity that the principal roads or streets should be well lighted. Our Borough Council has already done very well in this respect according to the means available, and we have every confidence they will continue in their well doing. We are aware that application by petition will be made at the next meeting of that body for lamps to be placed in certain localities, and trust that the prayers of the petitioners will be granted. The extra cost to the ratepayers would be comparatively trifling when compared with the advantages gained. At present the estimated cost per annum for the existing six lamps is only £18, therefore it is fair to assume that two more lamps would add only six pounds to this, making £24 for lighting the whole borough. Of course there may be raised the objection that if the Council grants these petitions they will have to grant others. Well, and why not 1 Surely when a number of ratepayers make a reasonable request they have a right to consideration. Because one man wants a thing, it is childish to argue that if he gets it, a second man will also want the same, and therefore the first man should not have it at all. Both should have the thing if their rights to the concession are equal. If the prayer of only one can be granted by all means do so, and let the other wait for a more convenient season. It is better to do a little good than no good at all. By following this plan the whole of the necessary lighting could be done gradually without any very perceptable increase in the cost. The rapid progress Feilding is now making in other respects is an additional reason why the town should be better lighted, Last but not least the convenience and safety of women and children should be a vital consideration.