“The Growler” Eases His Mind.

Kawhia Settler and Raglan Advertiser, Volume IV, Issue 224, 1 September 1905, Page 2

“The Growler” Eases His Mind.

When I look around and ree the fearful state of our roads, which are in many instances the only means of communication and for transport of necessary stores to numerous settlers and bushmen, I wonder, with others who have become soured and cynical by the repeated non-fulfillment of promises, if the powers that be are honest, though blundering in their desire to road the country, or is it another piece of political machinery to control and concentrate votes (by means of co-op-erative workmen) where necessary at election time. For it is a singular coincidence that immediately prior to elections there is great activity, which subsides as suddenly, even before works actually in hand are completed. When the late Minister of Lands introduced his loading df lands for reading scheme, the anxious pioneers thought that at last the right man was in the right place, and waited (and are still waiting) to see their condition improved. The scheme, however, was theoritical only as far as roaa construction was concerned, but material enough as far as the settlers having to pay the loading. Now, it must be evident to all who are interested in land settlement, that roads must be made sooner or later. Then why not sooner, and save the pioneer from the heart-breaking expense, discomforts and environments that tend to break down his spirits and health ; every loss to the settler is an indirect, if not direct, loss to the State. Surely it would not take a statesman of very great calibre to devise some simple scheme to enable a block of land to be roaded say within two years from date of selection, in place of five years as is the case in several parts of this district ; but, Mr Editor, don't delude yourself with the idea that they are roaded even now. Methinks the trouble is that we have few* statesmen but heaps of politicians, who are more concerned in the voting strength of towns, cities and unions, as witness, the constant renewal of public edifices, technical schools, etc. No doubt these works are necessary enough, bat surely not more pressing than the need of settlers to get iu stores at famine prices, in mauy instances so that his family may not actually starve. But 'tis uselesi to waste breath unless backed up by a solid vote. Why not form a branch of the Farmers' Union and unite over these questions. GROWLER.