The Evening Mail. MONDAY, AUGUST 26, 1878.

Oamaru Mail, Volume III, Issue 742, 26 August 1878, Page 2

The Evening Mail. MONDAY, AUGUST 26, 1878.

Again we revert to the question of obtaining fair treatment for Oamaru with regard to the distribution of immigrants. Whilst we should be glad to be treated with the same consideration as Invercargill and Timaru, and have an immigrant ship laid on for our port direct, we have become so accustomed to cavalier and careless treatment at the hands of the immigration auihorities that, if were we told that we were to be treated to so much justice, the shock would be almnsr too much for us to bear. If the Timaru district can absorb a ship full of immigrants, surely this district is capable of doing likewise, and we are quite certain '■■ that we could utilise more labor than Invercargill. The last-mentioned place has be-n tavor.-d with several direct shipments of immigrants, the weeds of which hav»> found their way to this, and other districts. This district could dispose of a shipload of immigrants just now, and cry for more. We have long enough struggled against the difficulties engendered by having to be satisfied with the scum of every immigrant vessel—the leavings of other people ; and we think that it is about time that we were placed in such :t position as to be able to send them some of ours in return. There would be a double advantage in having an emigrant ship laid on direct for this port. She need not be sent empty away. As we pointed out a few days ago, there is enough freight here for several vessels during the grain and wool seasons. The question is one worthy the immediate and eai'nest attention of the Government, and we trust that our members will not fail to bring it before them.