The Lyttelton Times.

Lyttelton Times, Volume VIII, Issue 498, 12 August 1857, Page 4

The Lyttelton Times.

Wednesday, August \2th. Action and re-action are equal and opposite in all 'things as well as dynamics. Whether Government began it,,or Miles, Kington & Co., or the merchants, or whether the first impulse arose from any unknown individual among the public, it matters not, each has pushed the other forward into local steam enterprises till we become almost bewildered, with the succession of novelties. \y e fancy we hear the steam rushing from the escape pipes of rival steamers already. \ few weeks since local steamers were looked upon as a future possibility. Then we note the enterprise of a firm that will provide and run steamers, if a bonus is paid and the boats insured. Then we are told of a still bolder enterprise to run steamers without bonus or insurance. And now we find in our columns twoadvertisements calling upon individuals to unite for the formation of companies to run steamers in the most spirited manner, on the shortest notice and on the most reasonable terms. The public is going to be well served.

Both, these proposals which stand before us in rivalry are on as sound foundations as Canterbury can produce. IF the opposition prove that there exists sufficient business for both parties, we shall rejoice that the public is provided with additional ms chinery for its service. We shall expect.,.also that the Government will free itself'from any interference with the enterprise, being convinced that it is only as a stimulant to individual exertion that Government should be called upon to lend aid to a purely mercantile operation ; and that, the start being given, if the enterprise can stand alone, Government interference is a seiious hindrance to prosperity.