CORRESPONDENCE.

Lyttelton Times, Volume II, Issue 67, 17 April 1852, Page 6

CORRESPONDENCE.

To the Editor of the " Lyttelton Times."

Sir,— lt is hardly to be wondered that the proposed letting of the Town lieserves at Christchurch should have caused some stir amongst the inhabitants, inasmuch as all persons residing there, whether directly or indirectly, muse feel the effect of the change. But besides the consideration as to how far the public will profit or suffer by the step in question, other points are raised, which appear to me to be of very considerable importance. How is it that the Association are offering part of the Town of Ohristchurch to be let for the depasturing of cattle ? or are the Town Reserves not regarded as coming within the limits of the Town? If the latter to be the case, what has " become of the Associations' guarantee that the Capital should comprise an area of not less than 1000 acres for private property, exclusive of reserves for streets, &c. ? But if the reserves be really part of the Town, I would ask by what right the Association are asking a rent for the land in question ? Are they the owners of the lands, and if so, how have they become so ? Is it possible that they can have been able to spare so large a sum as it must have required to secure to themselves at least one half of the Town of Christchurch ? In that case, reports which reach our ears as to the state of their | finances, must be most absurdly incorrect: and it is greatly to be regretted that the same publicity is not given-to their home, as to their Colonial accounts, for the difference of the course pursued by them at home and their Chief Agent here, reflect rather unfavourably upon them.

But I would ask you again Sir, are the Town Reserves come within the limits defined in the proclaimal of the Town of Christchurch of 23rd May last? I must confess I fully believe they do, as I cannot imagine that in case of any portion of that part of the Town being sold, it would be considered necessary by the Magistrates to request his Excellency to inform them what the limits were as defined in his Proclamation alluded to above. I am not alone in this opinion, as to the limits of the Town as proclaimed, and being satisfied that the Reserves are really part of the Town, what security would the Stockowner, whether dairymen, butcher, or private individual who might rent the same, have that they might not constantly be subject to annoyance from persons who from any motives thought proper to inform against them under the Cattle Trespass Ordinance ? All of these are important considerations, and if you can enlighten me on the subject I shall feel greatly obliged. But apart from the question I have raised above, the prudence of the contemplated step, at this present moment, may reasonably be called in question. We cannot expect that the Butcher and the Dairyman will supply us with meat, milk or butter still at the same'price, as if they were depasturing their stock free otejll expense. If the prices are at present high they must inevitably become higher, and I ca^iT not but think that a rise in the price of these articles will weigh very heavily, and be much felt by all classes. The colony is hardly in a position to encounter fresh difficulties at the present moment. The supply of stock in the country is far from large: the uncertainty of fresh arrivals from Australia is very great, and we have still to learn to what extent, when the wonderful accounts from the gold diggings are well and generally known in England^ New Zealand may be a fleeted by the state of excitement and confusion which must inevitably prevail in Australia. This Colony I am inclined to. think is about to pass through the ovdeal of

depression, through which we are informed all J'Pung colonies pass some time or another; and i* fresh obstacles be raised, and the Colonists nnd that they have to contend at home with difficulties which have been rendered greater at a time when they were least able to bear them, may they not justly lay much to the charge of the Association, and to their Chief Agent perhaps, that he has failed at a most critical time to waive the consideration of how he can best consent their monetary interests, and has pursued a course the effect of which may possibly be infinitely more injurious to the Colony in its present state, than the small rent accruing \from the depasturing licenses in question can jpossibly be beneficial. Should you be able to answer the question I have here raised, by so doing you will greatly oblige. Sir, Your most obedient servant, A Pilgrim. Lyttelton, April 14, 1852.

To the Editor of the Lyttelton Fimes,

Sir, —I wish you would call the attention of the Magistrates to the number of pigs roaming about the town, breaking into gardens and doing much injury. I say nothing of Fowls and Goats as they are not so easily confined. lam aware that damages can be recovered in the Resident Magistrate's court, but il is not every person who has the ambition of appearing in your columns as the prosecutor of his neighbour for the trespass of a pig. Surely there is, or ought to be, some law to compel the owners of these animals to keep them within the limits of a sty. If something is not done to put a stop to this annoyance, which is the cause of much ill-feeling and daily contention, many persons will be tempted to follow the example of Judge Stephens, and not " wait for the tardy proceedings of the law," but take it into their own hands by using their guns more frequently

Peaceful,