ORIGINAL CORRESPONDENCE.

Southland Times, Volume I, Issue 48, 24 April 1863, Page 3

ORIGINAL CORRESPONDENCE.

WE DO NOT HOLD OURSELVES RESPONSIBLE FOR THE OPINIONS EXPRESSED BY OUR

COBRESPONDENTS,

(7b the Editor of the InVercargill Tunes.)

Sib, — 1 note in your previous issue, an advertisement inviting tenders for Kiverton Ferry. This simply suggests to me the question of — how much will you give per year for the right to work this ferry ? I would ask, "is it right" that the Govei'nment should receive any sum, be it large or small, for the use of that ferry, which must afterwards be drawn as a tax from the pockets of the purchasers of land on the south side of that river ? Would it not be far better that the tenders should be called for at per head, and the lowest tender consistent with tne proper performance of tho work who accepted. Those who are acquainted with Kiverfcon,, and who are alive to the changes that have taken place since the establishment of that ferry, can see how desirable it is that the fare should be as low as possible. Many mechanics, and others of the working class, have purchased sections of land on the other side, and would often cross and recross, to visit} or to do a few hours' labor in tho way of improving those sections, when they have any spare time, or may be out of work, but the fare, as it now stands, is more than many men like, or can afford to pay every day, and.with this uncertain clime, sometimes to little purpose. According to a recent decision (if lam rightly informed), a man that has a boat, not only may not give his neighbor a ride across, but it he uses it, either by himself or servant, he is liable to the payment of the fare, if demanded, just the same as though the ferry-man himself had put them across, and on'refusal to pay, subject to a fine. Why a man should not be allowea to use his own boat by himself or servant, for any purpose he please, providing it is not used vexatiously, or for hire, I cannot understand. It certainly looks like an infringement upon the liberty of the subject. If such a law is applicable to a boat, why not to a horse or any other thing ? Trusting this object may be looked to by the inhabitants and parties more deeply interested than myself, I remain, Sir, Your obedient servant, Observes. ftiverton, 20th April, 1803.