The Kumara Times. Published Every Evening. WEDNESDAY, APRIL 6, 1881.

Kumara Times, Issue 1408, 6 April 1881, Page 2

The Kumara Times. Published Every Evening. WEDNESDAY, APRIL 6, 1881.

The School Commissioners of Westland have apparently made up their minds definitely upon one point, and that is to make no terms with their tenants upon the Kumara Education Reserve. For years these unfortunate tenants have striven against their Hokitika adversaries, but in vain ; and it now appears that they have abandoned themselves to their fate, in utter hopelessness of being relieved from the intolerable burden which is placed upon them. They are wearied out with numberless public meetings, committee meetings, deputations to the Commis-

siouers, correspondence, which, if pre--served, woul I till all the pigeon-holes in the H okitika Education Office, with prayers, protestations, and every known endeavour to mollify their enemies. About the middle of last year, the Kumara Education Reserves Act was brought into operation, and it was fondly hoped that some good result would follow ; but the Commissioners are inexorable. When Mr Bonar visited Kumara many months ago, he was waited upon by the Reserve Committee, who represented their case to him, and suggested that the sections should be sold at the same rate at which the land had been disposed on the West side of Main street—£s per section. With that peculiar urbanity, for which Mr Bonar is so eminently distinguished, he at once fell in with the views expressed, and exactly coincided with the Committee in everything they then said. Here was cause for rejoicing. No doubt he not only expressed his own views, but knowing his colleagues had not differed from theirs. However, history repeats itself, and those who were beguiled with the honeyed phrases then uttered, soon found that he who for a moment appeared to be almost their champion, felt the old Hokitika influence strong upon him within twenty-four hours, and having repented of his conciliatory action, at once relapsed into his normal condition. Toward the close of last year, circulars were sent by the Commissioners, to the tenants on the Reserve, requesting them to state if they were willing to purchase at three years’ rental. This was in a vast majority of cases replied to in the affirmative, and it was hoped that the difficulty was well nigh over ; but no, the Commissioners withheld their assent or dissent, so as to be able to claim another .year’s rent. This they now do, and in demanding it, notify their tenants that if it is not paid before the 18th of the present month, immediate proceedings will be taken for the recovery of the same. Shylock claimed a particular pound, of flesh, but, the Commissioners go past that-they have not only claimed but had, not, one pound, but several, and now they want the rest. This state of things should not he allowed to exist any longer. An appeal should be made to the Government, to hint to the Commissioners that if they do not attempt to carry out their duties in a fairer manner than they have hitherto done, it will be advisable to send in their resignation, and allow others to discharge their functions.