IMPOUNDAGE.

Hastings Standard, Issue 36, 8 June 1896, Page 3

IMPOUNDAGE.

[To THE EdITOB.]

Sir, —I do not pretend to know who is to blame for the present unsatisfactory state of our impounding bylaws, but I say that it is a monstrous shame that people should be annoyed by receiving summonses and having to appear in Court because of their cattle straying on the public road. Surely it is sufficient that they be asked to pay the poundage fees without being put to further annoyance and worry. With all the pastures in and around Hastings, it is certain that no owner wilfully turns his cattle out on the road to graze. If the cattle breakthrough the fences—and they do so tinder very pecular circumstances at times —anil they come into the charge of the ranger, his fees should prove a sufficient punishment. The law was never made to deal with other than deliberate cases, and the sooner an alteration is made the better.—l am, &C-, Fjuk Play. Hastings, June 6, 1896. A SIMILARITY. [To the Editor.] Slk, —There is a slight similarity between Mr Seddon's present position and that occupied by Lord Rose be ry prior to the defeat of "his Government. Addressing a public meeting in one of the cities of the Midland Counties, Lord Rosebery said that there was arrayed in opposition to his Government about 50 per cent, of the intelligence of the Kingdom and nearly the whole of the newspaper press. Mr Beddon acknowledges that 90 per cent , of the newspapers of New Zealand are opposed to his administration, and he might with trnth have urged that no pmall number of the intelligent electors are against him. In the session which followed upon the speech of Lord Bosebery,his Government was defeated on a catch vote : resignation followed, giving to the Conservatives the reins of Government. Lord Salisbury appealed to the country, and was returned by a strong working majority. Will the similarity of circumstances between Lord Rosebery and Mr Seddon be continued to the end of the chapter ? "Will the Seddon Administration succumb to an adverse vote on a side issue in the approaching session ? And will it fall to the lot of Captain Russell to form a Cabinet, and then to appeal to the electors ? Time will show ! I lVC "' Trvurs