CORRESPONDENCE.

Motueka Star, Volume I, Issue 28, 15 November 1901, Page 5

CORRESPONDENCE .

—o TO THE EDITOR. Sir : In looking over.a late issue of your paper, I noticed, a paragraph in which Mr -Hursthouse said that farmers who were not freetraders were fools. This I take to mean that persons who believe in protection? must be placed in the same category. .1 also read that he supported the formation of a branch of the New Zealand Farmer’s Union, started originally to protect the farmer’s interests. If he is such an outspoken and ardent freetrader why does he want to protect anything or anybody ? The law of supply and demand applies to the farmer as much as it does to the vendor of soap or any other article of commerce. He is evidentlv in a dilemma. Can he justify his statement. I am, etc., Protectionist Nelson, Nov. 11, 1901. TO THE EDITOR. feir : Some two months ago I wrote you about the bridge that is to be erec - ted over the liver at Pangatotara which we, on this side of the river are so urgently in need of. I would like to ask Mr Slatter, who promised to be our spokesman, whether he has yet received any certain word about the bridge from our member. The House has closed down and 1 hear there is nothing additional put on the Estimates. Are we going to be fooled again, and have the thing promised once more as an election dodge? We have been handicapped long enough and I think it is time something was done. If we are not going to get the bridge, let us know so that we shall be able to protest at the ballot box when there is another general election. I.am, etc.. Settler. Pangatotara Nov 12. To The Editor. Sir: As a member of the late Fruit Grower’s Association I strongly object to the balance in band, said to be £ls being paid over to the-Fruit Grower’s Union. What right have they to it any more than the Farmer’s Union or, as far as that goes the public library or even the Motueka Biass Band, the funds of which have been shamefully misused. If anything-is to be done, let it be returned to those who subscribed, or give it to some more deserving institution, not one that will benefit a very few in the district and help along those members who live in Nelson and the Waimeas. I am etc., 5 Old Member. TO THE EDITOR. Sir : I do not agree with the letter signed “Member of -the N.F.G.U.,” which appeared in a late, issue of your paper. If we can persuade the Government to subsidise a direct steamer to Wellington it does not follow, because Laery and Co., own her that the fruit growers should not give their freights to the vessel. I give the firm better credit than to shut out other peoples produce in order to get their own to Wellington. I.' do not know much about them but - that is the way I look at it from. I am etc., Not a member of the Union. Brooklyn Nov 14.