CORRESPONDENCE. THE GOLD MANIA.

New Zealander, Volume 8, Issue 620, 24 March 1852, Page 2

CORRESPONDENCE. THE GOLD MANIA.

To the Editor of the New-Zealander. Mr. Editor, — Is not the constant excitement produced by the supposed discovery of gold in our colony most unwholesome and seriously injurious to the permanent industrial well-being of the place \ Does not even the -reward of £100 which has been offered for the discovery of a " gold field" tend much to unsettle the minds of the people and turn their attention from their legitimate avocations \ I can quite imagine that such a reward offered for the discovery of a satisfactory mode of cleansing and preparing the flax for exportation ; for the largest amount of land put under tillage by one individual ; for the discovery of any article, the produce of our colony, profitable for exportation ; for any improvement in the fencing, draining or tillage of the land, &c, might be a most legitimate object, whereupon to arouse the interests and energies of the people ; but I cannot believe that such a reward offered for the discovery of gold is in itself either desirable or judicious. I would not wish to discourage the search for gold ; but I would not hold it out as a primary object, in importance, to all others, for the wellbeing of the colony ; sure as I am that such is not the case. We want a something to make this colony "go-a-head" and nothing is more likely than the discovery of some article of exportation to have this effect, and if such is admitted to be the case surely that is the point to be arrived at. If you kindly give insertion to this letter, I shall be happy, in my next, to point out many attainable objects for the well-being of our island, which I am sure would be worthy the serious attention of our capitalists. — lam, Sir, &c, Truth.