THE SLUDGE-CHANNEL.

Kumara Times, Issue 1158, 15 June 1880, Page 2

THE SLUDGE-CHANNEL.

[contributed.] Taking a casual stroll up The Lead the other day we were surprised and delighted to note the progress of the Knraara sludge-channel, surprised at the extent of the work, and gratified to see such an important one prcgres * ing favorably. Like all new rushes this place must suffer its good and bad repute; but when settlement in the shape of hundreds of handsome boys and girls are to the fore, it becomes the bounden duty of the " oldsters " to shape a course for them to follow*; and although the Ministers are in a fix jusrtfv now for want of cash, we must endea* X vour to make the best of bad And the sludge-channel is a most cer- ~ tain recompense, as it most surely pay the interest or both directly and indirectly—(l hope those composing our ruling powers will take na of j fence at what is meant) —I speak thu' truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth. Men whq reconcile the iuea to their own conscience must ad-

frrit the fact that any useful member of our society can live comfortably enough without the aid of soup kitchens or any public charities, it, in vulgar parlance, he takes the ball by the horns anrl faces his difficulties like a man. The sludgechannel is a most magnificent opening for men of en<ft\gv, and a first-class means of opening-ujrthe almost inexhaustible resources of Kumara by means of sluicing. No other part of New Zealand has such a future in that line. Were the proper means taken to find out, I think it would be found that we have paid as large if not a larger proportion of 20s in the pound than many other parts who have had the " sugar" melted amongst them, and only owe their unequal proportion of the ' £27,000,000; therefore, I say, hold together men, and claim your just due—the right to receive consideration 'at the hands of our representative Government. The sludge-channel is a very good help to us at the present time; but, to make it of supreme importance, give ns water, and as much as can possibly be got. Mr Maher, with great kindness, explained to us on our visit anything asked regarding the works which he is so successfully carrying out, and, thanking him for his courtesy, wo returned to town, where, after due consideration and certain refreshments for 'the inner man, this effusion was perpetrated.