MINING ON THE EDUCATION RESERVE.

Kumara Times, Issue 1419, 20 April 1881, Page 2

MINING ON THE EDUCATION RESERVE.

['i'O THE EDITOR.] Sir—Nothing could give me more pleasure than to see that you have taken up the cudgels for us—the miners of this district. But there is more to be done than talk and Write we have nearly exhausted those means of redress; we must make ourselves heard and have attention paid to us by the present powers that be, who only occupy their position but by the will of the people who have placed them there, and we, a portion of that people, say to them know that we will have justice. It must be conceded that a more lawabiding people cannot be found than a mining community; but I would remind the gentlemen who have at present the power to administer “justice” that it can be as easily taken from them as it was conferred, therefore should they persist in forcing obnoxious laws and rules upon us, we will kick, and perhaps “ over the straps ” too. “Re-

member Ballarat riots !” (so called). !f dont do so, but merely the outbreak of a free people at the unbearable ruffianism of at that tinle a purse-proud government, who treated their protests as of no account; but when thO gallant fellows at the expense of their lives caused an uproar in the country-, it drew the attention of the sleeping brtt justice-loving majority to the fact that they by their indifference were supporting a most intolerable form of autocracy. ff'he consequence was that redress was granted at once, and the power of fools crushed out —I hope never to be revived. Many of the same stamp of men are to be found among the diggers at the present time • therefore I hope the present powers that be will not drive them in a corner, for if they do, rest assured they will “ kick.’* By your issue of to-night I see there is to be a public meeting on Friday next. Let ns hope that aU those who have the interest of the place at heart—no matter whether directly concerned or not—will roll up, and by their presence lend countenance to the endeavours of those who may be appointed to settle our affairs. Let all who have any grievance Use their judgment and bring forward suggestions for the general benefit; also let those who may be appointed to act on the public behalf fearlessly do their duty, and, if need be, throw the gauntlet in the faces of their oppressors. I do not write thus to merit to merit the cognoiUeu ol: a firebrand, but merely Us One who has the interests of his own particular dis» trict at heart.—l am, yours, &c., Min Eh, Kumara* April 19, 1881,