LETTERS TO THE EDITOR.

Southland Times, Issue 1600, 2 July 1872, Page 3

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR.

HOW SHALL WE INCREASE OUR POPULATION ?

Sib, — Amid the doubts, fears, and anxieties that are expressed on thR Public Works Act, I think we may fairly infer it is the prevailing opinion that its success or non-success hinges upon the extent and character of our immigration movement? — in fact, that unless we succped in peopling the country, many of our public works will be rendered unnecessary, and in some instances useless or mischievous. The inevitable result that must follow will be direct and heavy taxation, and diminution, instead of increase, to our population. With these thoughts and prospects before us, it would be well to ask ourselves whether the immigrants Dr Featherston has sent and is sending out are the men we want or desire to have amongst us ? whether British gold would not be better spent in providing for and helping our own countrymen and countrywomen ? whether our object should not be, so long as we form part of the British Empire — to susi tain that Empire — to maintain a spirit of loyalty j — to retain our language, manners, and customs i — to hand down to our descendants that truly j British spirit of heartfelt love for our laws and institutions unimpared and unbroken ? It has been part of my faith for some years past, and I think it will be borne out by observation, that immigration to a large extent ebbs and flows in accordance with the prospects and prevailing feelings of our own population. That the discontent and dissatisfaction present here, find an outlet through these tens of thousands of winged missives that periodically leave our shores, and which exert ouch an influence around tha hearthstones of our friends, that they set at naught all the powers of legislators or their agents. There is one thing certain, i.e., if ever immigration is to become extensive, and of the right kind, it must be the people's own work to make it a succoss — not paid agents in Great Britain. And to induce the people to work in such a cause, the efforts of our legislators must begin in New Zealand. First make people comfortable and happy here ; sweep and clean up your house, and provide refreshment, ere you invite company : this is a policy adopted in every day life, and it is equally applicable to the question at issue. Then we may one and all ask ourselves i with honest purpose, what can we do to help our friends and our adopted country at this crisis, and in so doing eventually help ourselves ? We want the help of the working man, it is true, but at the same time we want capital and experience combined to be brought to bear upon and develope our numerous resources. And we can confidently promise to such men as may cast in their lot amongst us all the success they can rationally expect, or their enterprise and industry may deserve ; and instead of confining ourselves to one particular class, let us invite all classes, from the highest downwards. We might even advantageously import a few gentlemen with liberal ideas to sit in our Parliaments, to "teach our senators wisdom," and help us to solve the question, " How shall we increase our population ?" — I am, &c, K. Y. Riverton, June 26th, 1872.