PRESS OPINIONS .

Gisborne Times, Volume VII, Issue 360, 10 March 1902, Page 4

PRESS OPINIONS .

There is likely to be some lighting between the Pacific Cable Company and tlie Eastern Extension concern. And if the latter Company show that it has lost none of its guile, the battle may result in serious trouble both for the Pacific cablo and the Federal Government. Tlie recent methods of the Eastern Extension Company show that it has studied the subject of conscienceless grab. Its agreement with several Slate Governments provides that before the Pacific cable is completed the States mentioned snali erect special wires

for the company. This will cost thousands, which the general taxpayer will have to fork out for the benefit of the company and its wealthy clientele. ' The concession

made b.y the company was u paltry reduction in the rates, and certain interested Australian newspapers boomed its efforts accordingly. A cable message received stated that no competition was expected unless the Eastern Extension Company tried to prevent the Federal Government from securing the business. That is what the Eastern Catnpany may be expected to do, and thus the battle of tbe routes is bound to come. It will be interesting to note how far the Eastern extension concern will be able to go.—Truth. Some inquisitive people aro asking what has become of the Wellington AntiGambling League, which was revived midst much newspaper splash a while back ? Most of these organisations in this over-toted oolony appear to bo very active for alout five minutes. After that, there is no more fire and enthusiasm in them than there is in a post office directory.— Free Lance. New Zealand new wears a laurel wreath gained by the heroos of the Seventh Contingent. Even the more immediate and personal friends of those who have fallen, will bo consoled by the remembrance that they laid down their lives for their country and that their names, for all time, will be associated in this Colony with valour and prowess. Every man of our nine Contingents wili he a better soldier after this grand deed ; and when the Seventh, “ the lighting Seventh,” returns home—but not the six hundred—for it will be reserved the great ovation. —Wairarapa Daily Times.

Many up-country settlers are longing for a bright May-day, when the Government- will redeem its promises of resuming expenditure upon necessary lines of communication. We have heard of a typical case up Stronvar way, where a widow, with thirteen children, is anxious to get timber on to her section to build a house for her family before the winter sets in. Only a bit of a road is needed, and for that the Member for Wairarapa obtained a vote last session, which ought to have been spent by now, but which is being tied up along with all other votes. We take no jov in the half million surpluses

which the Government are wont to present us with ; hut we do take joy in each

little bit of road iu the back-blocks, wbicb keeps the struggling settler from going under.—Wairarapa Times.