King Country Chronicle WEDNESDAY, AUG. 7, 1912 THROUGH SOUTHERN EYES.

King Country Chronicle, Volume VI, Issue 489, 7 August 1912, Page 4

King Country Chronicle WEDNESDAY, AUG. 7, 1912 THROUGH SOUTHERN EYES.

The rapid development of the North Island and particularly of the Auckland province is evidently regarded with jealous eyes by some of the far South Islanders. An article appearing in the Dunedin Star on august 2nd deals uncompromisingly with Te Kuiti and its claims. The recent visit of the Minister for Public Works provides the opportunity for th 9 Star to get off a tirade that would do credit to an American stump orator bent on working off a gruge on an opponent. The writer doe 3 not mince matters, nor does he apparently consider accuracy necesary in dealing with a subject of which his readers presumably know as little as himself. A flying tilt is made at ill conditions which the

writer fancies may serve the purpose of influencing a Minister, who, in the course of his Ministerial duties, paid a visit to a rapidly growing and thriving North Island centre. Fortunately well-balanced people are hardly likely to seriously consider splenetic vapourings, which are evidently prompted by a feeling of narrow parochial envy at seeing a hitherto neglected district claiming its own. If the sentiments expressed in the Star reflect anything like the public opinion of the district wherein it circulates, the King Country can expect little from the far South politicians. We prefer to believe, however, that the weird jumble of half facts, and widely varied fancy which constitute the article in question are the fruits of a solitary imagination somewhat soured by self communion. Straightforward criticism is always healthy, while abuse and misrepresentation which often pasa current for criticism, usually defeat the object arrived at. It is conceivable that Southern people unacquainted with King Country conditions regard with astonishment the rapidity of progress which is taking place, and fail to realise the urgency and magnitude of the requirements of the district. Ic is, however, difficult to understand the motive which actuates a venomous attack on King Country residents by a responsible New Zealand journal. Singularly enough the same journal contains an article deploring tha custom, indulged in by certain colonials, of slandering New Zealand. Further comment is unnecessary.