KUMARA TUNNEL COMPANY RE SUBSIDIES.

Kumara Times, Issue 1161, 18 June 1880, Page 3

KUMARA TUNNEL COMPANY RE SUBSIDIES.

[to the EDITOR. ] Sir—Noting the reply given by the Hon. Mr Oliver with regard to private subsidies, I was rather surprised to find that private parties have been refused on grounds enough to make one laugh; yet the absurdity has been carried olit—simply the insuffiiency of funds for the purpose. The old song of “studying economy to live like a lord ” has verification in fact when we see such a necessary assistance to the advance of tile Country refused, and thou»£and squandered on “ Maori Commissions,” “Royal” ditto, Ac., Ac. I draw public attention to the fact that in Reeftou private companies have been subsidised, and the Banks are (he principal shareholders; and in rny judgment the only just conclusion to be arrived at is that Government are so impecunious that they dare not do justly, or that private and altogether' selfish interests are at wor k ; and those in power, for fear Of giving offence-to-

capitalists, pander. The work alluded to in the heading is recognised by-the inhabitants of this district as one of great importance, and for the past three years has been wholly carried out by private enterprise. .Now, when near its completion and perhaps cash getting short, on the tonus on which to realise not worth the “ whistle,’' the petty assistance required has been refused by this truly paternal Government. A truly legitimate and piotitabie undertaking, and one which shows the undeveloped energy yet in existence amongst the people, meets with a mild denial which is tantamount to a blunt refusal to assist, and thereinto must languish for want of the necessary funds, or pass into the hands of and submit to the tender mercies of the managers of tested capital, who through their greed for gain are seriously preventing the accumulation oi that to which they are devoted. Now, sir, taking into consideration the vast importance of sluicing operations, we must think ourselves snubbed by the refusal of'a pal ry ,£IOO or so to assist those who have struggled so long and manfully. Whether our junior honorable member has been beside himself through the vast and overwhelming importance of No. 1 considerations, or that the Government are really as above imagined 1 know not; but this Ido know, that for Westland to live and prosper, sluicing must be fostered; and I am positive that the slight assistance required by private parties would be repaid a hundred-fold. Witness Mr O’Connor’s report re Waimea-Kumara water-race, which has proved so far the most important yet entered into by Government for the benefit of the miner, and also the most remunerative public work in the colony. Therefoie, I say, Step forward, and give the assistance required ! as it cannot be lost, and will assuredly benefit hundreds who by their presence and energy tend to enrich the country. The unemployed are clamoring for work—why not give it ? . Private enterprise has been almost exhausted ] therefore I say to the p oplc—and who are the people but their representatives—l would almost go so far as to say, Give 1 or we wiil take. -Beware how you drive those to desperation who have placed their trust in your hands! or assuredly you will cut a rod for your own backs.—l am, yours, &c., PATkIOT. Kumara, June I6lh, 1880.