Manawatu Herald. SATURDAY, OCT. 29, 1892. United we stand.

Manawatu Herald, 29 October 1892, Page 2

Manawatu Herald. SATURDAY, OCT. 29, 1892. United we stand.

The great advantages possessed by older countries is very fully shown by the many Writers who, in prose and verse, are continually reminding their countrymen of the necessity and the advantages, of unity. In the colony 'patriotism seldom is found, and, owing to a secluded life, settlers very seldom look far beyond the narrow limits of the district in which they live. We admire, the conservatism of which this is the outcome, as well as the loyalty which .prompts the expression that one's own particular 'district is the finest in the colony, but, we frequently need, for our own well-being, to move further abroad and recognise the efforts of others, which, by sensible communication, might be made the lever for the further advantage of all. The words of George P. Morris are worth recalling to show more emphatically that which we have desired to express — A song for our banner ? the watchword recall Which gave the Republic her station : " United we stand — divided we fall ! " It made and preserves us a nation 1 The union of lakes— the union of lands— The union of States none can sever— The union of hearts— the union of handa — And the Flag of our Union for ever 1 Owing to the wonderful growth of certain American cities no soone; does a small township rise in the heart of the bush when its promoters fondly hope to live to see the day when it shall become the Chicago of the Colony. This desire frequently causes the neighbouring townships ;o be either looked upon with contempt or suspicion, »md has frequently led to the retardment of the district. It behoves the leaders of a district to make themselves acquainted with the' district in which they reside, and do all that can be lone to promote unity of interest. We do not desire to exaggerate the present position held by Foxton, its r position upon the bank- of the -splendid Mariawatu river will always •be: the cause of its prosperity, but that its advantages might be utilised by a large number, is evident, if any effort was made to draw our connection with our neighbours closer. To the east of us we have the; rising town of Shannon with its settled country district. The distance from the port is only eleven miles and for the imports from the South island, which are bound to be yearly increas- : ng, much money would be saved by the storekeepers and settlers using this l-oute. We are sure the storekeepers are good business men enough to inquire prices and freights for themselves, and will thus be satisfied. Levin, another township only eleven miles away is in exactly the same position. Though cur local bodies cannot interfere with the roading on the south of the river which divides us, they are answerable for those on this side, and we consider every effort should be made by the Borough and Couuty Conncil to make the road to the

Shannon ferry as good ns they possibly can. We believe our country settlers would not oppose a loan for metalling this road, and it -would be worth all it cost. There is plenty of metal on the Shannon side and the punt now is large enough to carry .good .10ad5... ., We ._ are noj likely to get two bridges, though they are both needed, but we call upon both local bodies' having charge of the two terries, not to look upon .them as. revenue producers, but as conveniences for the public, and ;shere fore the tolls should from time to time be reduced to a point, leaving a safe margin only for contingencies. Having dealt with the road to the Shannon ferry on the ?0;; on s td e w - Mention that the portions across the river at both ferries are in charge of the Wirikino Road Board. The road to Shannon is at present a disgrace, but will of course improve with each fine day, and we are led to hope, by a high official, that something radical will be done to it this summer. From the Wirikino ferry the road to Levin is only formed, but as the Chairman of the Wirikino Road Board has a long frontage to it and Mr Gower resides at Levin, something will . soon be done to •improve it or else both these gentlemen have let their right hands forget their cunning. We have thus briefly pointed out that by judicious intercourse, a very large district • might be joined for trade and social interests and that without the least straining of the ties already formed. We shall endeavour to show at another time, what these interests are, and what advantages we can each offer to the other. Our purpose will be served at present if we have succeeded in pointing out a larger field for our local public men to work in.