The Kumara Times. Published Every Evening. SATURDAY, JANUARY 14, 1882.

Kumara Times, Issue 1652, 14 January 1882, Page 2

The Kumara Times. Published Every Evening. SATURDAY, JANUARY 14, 1882.

The most elaborate preparations continue'to be made - for the reception of the Hon. W. Rolleston, Minister of Mines. Committee meetings take place almost nightly ;■ sub-committee meetings are held, and joint-committee meetings are not uncommon. In fact, if a prince of the blood-royal was about to pay us a friendly visit, there could not be a greater flutter than there is among the entire population. And this is not to

be wondered at when we consider the facts of the case and the surrounding circumstances. The people of the district Teelthat their interests have long been neglected* an & they are anxious to sieze the first opportunity of making their wants known-. They ffeel that the very existence of this district depends entirely upon our receiving a very much larger share of consideration at the hands of the Government than has hitherto been given us. The main industry of the place languishes simply for the want of a little assistance in funds, which might easily be rendered, to the great benefit of this district, and to the detriment of no part of New Zealand ; while at the same time it is an undisputed fact that fair and reasonable aid given to goldfields brings about reproductive results to the whole of the colony. The goldfields of New Zealand have on two occasions saved New Zealand from actual bank, ruptcy, and still continues to lend very material aid in enabling her to keep her head above water. The miners have always had very insufficient representation (numerically) in Parliament, and in consequence have never had it in their power to force upon any Government the due consideration of their wants and requirements ; and have consequently been left out in the cold, while other parts of the colony have received with complacence the major part of the loaves and fishes, and tried hard to get the remainder. This state of affairs has lasted too long, and it is quite time that something should be done to put a stop to a continuation of such an objectionable state of affairs. In Mr Rolleston’s visit, an opportunity presents itself for bringing under the immediate notice of a Minister of the Crown the grievances under which we have so long labored. We are informed that the Kumara Memorial Committee have prepared a most elaborate and exhaustive document, setting forth the requirements of the district, but it is to be hoped that too much will not be asked for. It is all very well for persons to say that it is but seldom we have a Minister here, and that in consequence we should tell him all our wants. If we did, we should present a very long list indeed. It is stated upon what is said to be good authority, that the Kumara Committee have decided to ask Mr Rollesion to construct a I’oad so as to continue Seddon street to the sea beach. Now this is not an urgently-needed work, but might be left to stand over to some future occasion. Only one reason for its construction can be urged, and, such being the case, it is necessary to provide a new source of supply. The argument is good enough in its way, but it does not require five miles of a road to be opened up to furnish all the timber that will be required for years to come. Let us not ask for too much, or we may get nothing. Let us not send the Minister of Mines away with a general impression on his mind that we want all sorts of things; but let us rather endeavour to impress upon his mind the one great requirement that we have, and that is the further supply of water to enable the miners to carry on their work profitably. Let this be done, and in all probability the visit of Mr Rolleston will bear fruit in due time. On a future occasion we shall have something more to say on this subject, but in the meantime express the gratification we feel at the earnest interest which is shown in according to the Minister of Mines a hearty welcome in his visit to Kumara.