CORRESPONDENCE.

Poverty Bay Standard, Volume III, Issue 276, 29 May 1875, Page 2

CORRESPONDENCE.

Our columns are open for free disciission; but we do not hold ourselves responsible for the opinions of our Correspondents. :o: LETTERS TO THE EDITOR.

NAVAL BRIGADE.

Sir, —Don’t drop out of the Naval Brigade controversy. It is refreshing, when almost every subscriber to one local paper is, necessarily, also, a subscriber to the other, to find a little occasional divergence of opinion, particularly on a matter of such immediate importance as the above. About a dozen of us met yesterday (all dual subscribers) and we are as equally divided as to the merits of the case. Some said that the Boat Club can call itself a Naval Brigade if it likes. Where’s the good ? Where’s the harm ? Some that Carleton’s (of Bay of Islands) flimsy disguise, does not cover the wonted glassical aroma of his concoctions. Others that “ Pop Gun’s ” paper bullets were soft and sputtered a little, but were otherwise harmless, while all agree that the only reprehensible thing is the apparent danger of the discussion being closed, because of the probably accidental spelling of a proper name —a license allowed to all writers. When you consider that some of us propose to advocate the propriety, and suitability of the present Boat Club being made the nucleus of a Naval Brigade, a corps of Horse Marines,

shut us up. The apparent incongruity is overcome when you recollect the construction of t he body, as the Mounted Constabulary and Cavalry Volunteers, would be probably superseded, and gun carriages and fire engines be constructed as one vehicle, and the horses used for both ; I don’t see why a parsimonious government would not be easily induced to subsidize such a useful corps. I’ll send my card if you insure me against a duel.—Yours, &c. Bang. [Our correspondent evidently treats the formation of a Naval Brigade with ridicule ; but, as everyone who engages in public affairs may be accepted as having an interest in them, we should like to see the matter treated seriously ; if there is a necessity for such an institution, let its advocates prove it, which wo challenge them to do. We shall net keep open the correspondence for the more fun there may be derived from it.—Ed. S.] Sir, —It is a great pity that a good living should go a begging, as the one so long prominent in Gisborne offers. If I might be allowed to suggest that the first immigrant ship that comes to New Zealand with a qualified medical man, communication should be opened with him, with a view of inducing him to practice in Poverty Bay. I should think there would be very little difficulty in getting one that would suit. The towns are well supplied and it must be rather difficult to get a practice equal to the one; offered here. The settlers of Poverty Bay hoW have to leave their homes and business to go elsewhere for medical aid, which is both expensive and unsatisfactory. Trusting the people of Gisborne will try and supply the much-felt want. —I am, &c. Gout. Sir, —“ Shellback” in your contemporary seems to be very funny evidently having some barge or boat that he thinks might “ sell by auction.” I should like know which of the mates is going to work the punt; on the understanding that both of the “ mates ” would give a hand, and keep to the work, doubtless there would be no objection on the part of the Road Board to give a subsidy, provided that no very long stay were made at Caulton’s or Wilson’s. I should not think it likely that the Harbormaster would give any aid to a subsidy, he having quite enough dirty water to look after at this season of the year. But if no subsidy at all is forthcoming, if the enterprising “ Shellback,” and his mite have the pluck to start a boaton their own account, I feel certain that there will be no “ match ” for them in the Bay.—l am, &c., Old Salt.