An Open Letter.

Feilding Star, Volume XVI, Issue 138, 7 December 1894, Page 2

An Open Letter.

j MR SEDDON'S EASE and COMFORT(Communicated.) We clip from a contemporary the following : - « Mr Seddon told a West Coast deputation the other day that he had enough worry and bother during the late session, and that rather than experience a repetition of it he would let someone else take his place, when he would be able to enjoy some ease and comfort." It is difficult to conceive what is your notion of ease and comfort. During the last four years' figbt for the handling of the Railways you have shown great energy and eombativeness. But it is one thing to stand at a safe distance with the shield of privilege from behind whioh to cast stones, and it is quite another thing to be in tha pillory yourself as a mark for other fool's gibes, scorn, and invectives. Are you going, for the first time, to let us know whether the railways are to be worked simply as a commercial enterprise for the use of which the travelling public are to be compelled to furnish the expenses and a profit, or is it, as Yogel originally explained, that the railways should be utilised as a means of colonisation and the encouragement of industries nntil, when successfully carried out, a population and traffic would be created that could maintain their cost. All experience has shown that tbe two cannot be combined. Under which are we to be served, Air Seddon ? If you say that our struggles to compete against outside industries are to be fostered and helped by the reasonableness and convenience of " Traffic," then we will not grumble if the colony has to pay a little bit to cover the surplus. Develop our resources by bringing our products within cheap distance of a market and you will be furnishing better arguments for settling the lands than your Laud Boards have ever evented. Of one thing, Hon. sir, we are quite convinced, and it is tbat if the railways are to be used as an engine for the success of the colonists, and not as a money-making spec, or still worse— a means for patronage— you will find your expected ease and comfort to be a myth. Cadman, the cautious, had a good practical notion that good work would mean hard work— very bard indeed— and he declined with thanks, You have more vitality and "go " than he bas. Use it in the direction, and use its right direction, and we will gladly accord you all the honor you deserve, even if your closest friends desert you ; but don't begin by seeking ease and comfort. We are, etc., Trade and Labor.