Town Versus Country.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XXXXV, Issue XXXXV, 10 December 1903, Page 2

Town Versus Country.

The Rev, H. M, B. Marshall write* from Mangatainoka, to the New Zealand 'film's as follows ;—1 returned from a visit to the back country just in time to read your description of the magniiicent building ojtonod the ot/her day, by the Governor, to accommodate tihe railway stall. It is tiuly wonderful how rapidly these splendid buildings succeed one another in the capital, and the wonder is not less when one knows something of the circumstances of settlers in the outlying districts. Such no doubt contribute their mite towards the erection ol tiiese sti|>erb edifices and the furnishings of these siumptuous offices. No ■doubt they see illustrations of them in the weekly papers, and so get at any rate something for their money. But is not the contrast between town and country rattier too •striking ? No railxvays, no road I, alter eight, ten, and twelve years' occupation, is the lot of very many. The explanation given of these nullities is yet another—no money. Thirty thousand pounds put into one building in WeilingU n, but not ■1:3000 available to lessen the hardships of hiimUrods of backblockers. 'llhe estimates annually set out 'large sums of motiey for leading, but alas ! only 10 to 15 per cent, of these sums is ever spent. In the meanwhile a large proportion of the boasted yeomanry of this country is being crushed out of existence. It is not crushed out yet, but it soon wjII be nuu&t bo—by ever rocurr*'nic hardships and difficulties. Small ivturns vanish rapidly, small profits Income nett loss, Ibopow change to fears—no doctor wlkh sick—no rest when tired no clmnge wlvcn run down*—iio alleviation, no rest, only promises aiml all the rest—mud.