MAEREWHENUA.

Mount Ida Chronicle, Volume VII, Issue 385, 28 July 1876, Page 3

MAEREWHENUA.

(From our own correspondent.) • ' ; ' July 12 fcli. I thought to liave "written you long before this, although I have nothing very startling to send. Political matters are anxiously watched; aud the papers eagerly scanned to find whether the Government has resigned' yet. It' is believed it is only a matter of time, aud that they are bound to be turned out before the session is over. It is very much to be regretted Sir George Grey did not turn, them out when he had the chance. We are proud pt' the noble stand lie "has taken in showing up the rottenness and corruption of the Government.: There is no doubt it was a bold and manly action, and required strong moral courage. It shows how much -Woi ought to value our members who fight for the country's good, and not liko those who are carried away with pecuniary or sordid gains. Wheu the future historian impartially writes the history of New Zealand,, and the actions of the Legislature in the year 1876, Sir George Grey and his followers will be named in high praise for their independent action in attacking a strong but corrupt Government; while Sir Julius Voxel's remarks about Grey being a lunatic will be looked upou as "little better than the effusions of a conceited, arrogant, and flippant puppy. . The member for Mount Ida was not far wrong when he told him lie had a good deal to learn. It is a disgrace to'the Legislature that a man such as Sir Julius should be at the head of affairs, and cicates a suspicion in people's minds that things are not altogether safe. It is no credit to any Government or Legislature to have an habitual gambler (political) at its head, and shows what a low sentiment there must have bee.n in the Assembly j last Session. It is tojic hoped members j 6f this Parliament will show moro indeI pendence : 6f"c)iuracici7 ond look more to I the interests of their constituents, and less

to their own selfishends. Tlie Opposition has done good ssrvice to the country. It is not likely big blocks of land will be sold again in a hurry. I hear the Government condemned right and left for their want of honesij. Tb<*v have tried to create a public m n iaient by what some call bribing many of newspapers, and the public sentiment Ihey speak of has no foundation in fact. Sir Julius is wrong in sayiug 200 ai res would be a priceless boon to the young men of the Colony—it is only claptrap. He must know that the great bulk of tlic best land is in private hands, and what the Government has for sale is of an inferior description, and only fit for grazing purposes, which would yield a very scanty existence for a family. The Bill or proposal ought to be Amended, or called the Linger-and-Die Bill. Where the land is only fit for grazing it ought to be in blocks of not less than 640 acres ; second class, 400 acres; first class. 250 acres. Wo have little faith in the integrity of trie Government—there are too many large capitalists behind the scenes controlling their movements. Our only hope is their expulsion from office. There are far better and truer uirn to take their place, and the sooner it transpires the better for the whole Colony. M ining matters are quiet. We are glad to learn that the Pollution Bill of last .session is going to be repealed. If the Government wishes to encourage gold mining the sooner tliej make their intentions known the better, as no one cares to invest without having real and not sham protection.

The only encouraging news I have to send is that I observe four or five new wood houses of a real substantial nature being put up, which speaks better for the prospects of the place than anything I can tell yo\i.

We are glad to observe the very, able manifesto of the President of the Central Mining Association. Ifc is pregnant with facts of very great importance to the Goldfields. It is to be hoped the Government will give encouragement to the Goldfields. If there is any flaw in the miners' title the miners and others who have invested in shares and in the construction- of works on the Goldfields, under and by authority from the Legislature, have just as gooc a right to have their titles made good (and, in fact, a great deal better) than the Piako Swamp Company—a transaction which is geperally looked upon here as a hole and corner piece of business, and a fraud upon the public estate, whereas the miners have paid for their water licenses and miners' rights, and have to compete with the public for their rights, under the proclamation of the Governor. Our Goldfields members ought to push the water pollusion question this session, either for legislation, or compensation for the miners. It is difficult to see how the Legislature could refuse to do & fair act of justice to an industry that has placed the Colony 100 years ahead, and enabled many to ride in trains and coaches that wouldnever have got beyond the primitive mode of travelling by bullock dray. Only for Goldfields it is doubtful whether the Public Works Policy could have commanded the money in the Home market. One would imagine, if the Goldfields have done so much for the Colony under such stringent and prohibitive regulations,there ougjjt to-be a great future for the Goldfields when mining property can be transferred with the same security as freehold. Capital will be more plentiful, and energy more buoyant—there will be more faith in the Government, and more disposition to settle in the country. Bat what can we expect from a Government who have no policy, but are waiting for the strongest current to sail with. We are proud to find our members have shown themselves equal to the occasion, and have fought the country's battle, in defiance of the Government. Mr. Stout's speech on the legal aspect of the Piako Swamp is highly applauded. Wo are in full hopes that Mr. Macandrew will carry his Separation proposals. .The Miners' Association here looks as if ifc were paralysed. A petition was to have been drawn up nearly three months ago, to be forwarded to the General Government, asking them to legalise the pollution ofrivers, or take the responsibility of defending the law suits. , If they do not get one very shortly drawn up I understand some of the raceholders will, on their account. This ought to be avoided by the Association, if possible. I understand some of t}iem are anxious, but are hanging back.