ORIGINAL CORRESPONDENCE.

New Zealand Spectator and Cook's Strait Guardian, Volume VIII, Issue 654, 8 November 1851, Page 3

ORIGINAL CORRESPONDENCE.

To the Editor of the “ New Zealand Spectator.” River Hutt, November 6, 1851. I think it may hot be amiss to point out the position of those Settlers who signed the protest with reference to the new main road: allowing that there are from fifty to fifty-five settlers whose names are appended to that document, and who are returned as householders in the census now being taken in the Hutt, the houses of thirty stand direct upon the road, from ten to sixteen more but a short distance from it; of all the other settlers, amounting to near two hundred, scarce one name has been obtained to that fraudulent document. Very many of our old Settlers, and not a few of the i p-——t x expectable of those whose nmnertie® and homes are contiguous to the new"road deserve the thanks of all well wishers of their adopted Country who are dwellers in the valley, for refusing to lend themselves to those who by their unprincipled proceedings have attempted (but in vain) to deprive by far the most valuable part of the Hutt community of a measure calculated in every respect to confer upon them great and valuable privileges. The question so frequently asked here is—from what source were the funds derived by which the main road was constructed, did those through whose property it passes pay one farthing more than any other Settler, wherever he might happen to be located ? Most assuredly not Now as this road was paid for out of the general revenue with assistance of a grant ,roin the British Government, on what grounds do those who are so greatly benefited by h refuse to assist in making the bye roads so much required by their less fortunate neighbours, for this is the real question at issue. Every 7 man in the Hutt contributed indirectly in his payment towards the general revenue to - the new road, and every man in the Hutt on the same principle should assist in making any other roads, if he acts at all fairly and wishes to do his duty by his neighbours. The great nostrum alwaysparaded oh these occasionsis, that it is the duty of the Local Government to make all such roads, &c., &c. Admit this principle, it would still require very extensive machinery 7 ’ and heavy taxes must be levied in those districts in which the roads are made: for should the Government devote the whole of the present revenue to these purposes and suspend all other payments it would not even then accomplish one tenth part of what is required to be done through the whole of New Zealand, for it must be borne in mind that every other district has the same Ciaim that we have. And the Government could not admit the claim of one district and reject that of another. The making of the several bye roads required in the Hutt presents an exceeding complex and difficult question, but I think one and all will admit (tbe protesters excepted who have their roads already made) that something should be done. Neither must it be forgotten that enormous sums will be required to construct main lines leading into the interior, and it is useless to suppose that any Government, however constituted, will everundertake to make the roads without taxing the inhabitants. Are there any settlers (the protesters excepted) who have not already taxed themselves either by their voluntary subscriptions or labour in improving the roads? Their very position compels them to do so; their crops must be sent to market; and they have no road by which to convey them. I have seen settlers sfrugglingnot long since—both man and beast upto their knees in mud—in vain attempts to reach the main road with their produce. Suppose the Editor of the Independent, in his way to physic some unfortunate patient, had met them; his advice would no doubt have' been asked, and would no doubt have been as readily given. Calculating of course upon the amount of intelligence to be met with in the unfortunate ignoramuses, (for if he did not look upon them in that light he would not have trisd his last artful dodge upon them) he would tell them their best course would be to let tbe load stick where it was until they were blest with a General Legislative Assentbly, with himself (how thankful they will ba for such a blessing) for Speaker, but whether they obtain these blessings or no, he could tell them that he would sooner whistle psalms to a dead horse than bring physic ilmg such ins

famous apologies for roads, since the bottles of the last he had brought were all broker, and his unmentionables had become a complete medicine chest. A prudent man always endeavours to go steadily on with his affairs, a good man never neglects them under any circumstances, but is happy and contented in imparting cheerfulness to all around him. The improvident only are always grumbling, too indolent to follow any regular course of industry, they are ever discontented and finding fault; if they happen to be men of some attainments, these are generally misemployed or preverted to mischievous uses. The Government becomes the object of their abuse, their homes have a wretched desolate appearance, and look like places where comfort might be but where, alas! it is never seen : they are never to be trusted on what they are pleased to call their honour. I would warn the Hutt Settler te cast a wistful glance around him, and if he thinks he can detect such characters amongustobe very cautious in his dealings with them. Well would ithave been forthem ifsome of our old Settlershad not been caught napping the other day. They would not then have appeared, as they now do in the estimation of their friends, like personsofneitherprobity nor honor, whose words are not to be trusted. Let them at once come forward and say whether they signed the protest, or whether a dishonest use has been made of their names, and not wait till, badger like, they are dragged from their holes and exposed to the light of day. Let not my brother Settlers suppose that I would becon'e either the apologist or the advocate of a despotic Government nor even of one neglectful of their interests, neither let them think that I have the slightest personal interest in speaking favourably of Sir George Grey’s administration. My humble tribute of approbation springs solely from a film conviction of his great merits, and from having tasted the benefits his measures have so plentifully showered on the Hutt Settlers. Show me throughout our beautiful Valley one industrious man who has not gone on steadily improving since his Excellency arrived amongst us : prove to me that the contrast between our valley, as it was under Captain Fitzroy, and as it is now under Sir George Grey, is not mainly owing to the wise and liberal Government of the latter, and I will never again resume my pen. I remain Sir, . Your obedient Servant, A Hutt Settler