COLONIAL ARISTOCRACY.

Temuka Leader, Issue 913, 4 February 1882, Page 3

COLONIAL ARISTOCRACY.

Some of the English papers are exceedingly sarcastic at the proposal to create a colonial aristocracy, and, considering the nature of it, tMsis not to be wondered at. The Home News, for instance says : “An experiment is being tried m colonisation which opens a new era in emigration!. Certain enterprising people have struck put the bright idea of colonially utilising the cacbfr of noble houses. The avenues of employment are few and greatly crowded. Impecunious lordlinga and honorables cannot be provided for at the public expense. Sinecure offices are not to be had ; in the liberal professions 'success is not reserved for titles” but for capacity. A mao must make his own way nowadays. Not only is there no short cut to prosperity, hut strenuous efforts are needed to win the barest competence. On the other band, dhere are countless acres untilled in newer lands,

a iid all coin-lists compete largely for ■ In,f It is tiM ! that an Eton and Oxford

| eon- atiun i-; le- useful to a colonist than t |U‘a> ikml training of saw-bench or forge ; but our aristocracy are famed for their thews and sinews, and they are willing anu aole enough to do- a hard day’s work Without earning a penny. 'Were hard work the only drawback, the aristocrat would find no fault with the colony But he goes to a new country must be prepared for isolation, and absence of all amusements, above all, for much physical discomfort. Punch gives a picture of high-born damsels welcoming their brothers from the clearing with the news that baths and evening clothes are ready, and late dinner will soon be on the table. There is a grim humor about this of which Mr Du Maimer is probably himself unconscious. It is not so easy to transport (he luxuries of the Old World to the New World, and pioneers in colonisation have other things to think about than warm baths and dress clothes. Apart from the main question, is it not just possible (says an exchange), that the Home News and Punch displays more than a little ignoiance on this subject! No doubt they would laugh were they to be told that a man with £SCO or £IOOO a-year n.ves more comfortably in the colonies than he would at Home.