The Temuka Leader SATURDAY, DECEMBER 22, 1888. THE MINISTER OF LANDS.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1832, 22 December 1888, Page 2

The Temuka Leader SATURDAY, DECEMBER 22, 1888. THE MINISTER OF LANDS.

Ok more than one occasion we have directed attention to the shameless way in which this gentleman has been pitying into the hsnds of capitalists. Since the day he took office to tbo present, his actions have been a succession of corrupt efforts to play into the hands of the capitalists and speculators. Recently when in the New Plymouth district he said that in the interest of settlement it was necessary to make two roads in the North Island—one from Stratford and the other up the Mimi Valley—and this is what the Wanganui Herald, of which Mr John Ballance is editor, thinks of the matter:—"lt is just as well we should expose the game. The roads in question are intended solely to open up, at the public expense, certam large blocks of land owned by private individuals which were acquired from the natives several years ago, and which land has been eating its bead off in interest. The owners, or persons on their behalf, pressed the last Government to purchase the land, but did not succeed, and roads to render it saleable also came before the Ministry at various times. The fact is there is not much Crown land available in those parts." Let it be remembered that Mr Ballance was the Minister of Lands in the late Ministry, and ought to know. lie' is not a man thai would tell a lie about the matter either, so the part Mr Richardson has been playing is plain. He is trying to get a road made at the expense of the. poor down-trodden taxpayers of this colony, so as to enhance the value of the lands of these speculators. Mr Richard, ion is a gentleman who wants careful watching. Be is a very dangerous man, but he is the man that suits the Russell's, and the Hall's, and the Rhodes's, and the Twelve Apostles of Bawkes Bsy. It is indeed a nice thing for a Minister to suggest the making of a private road to b'-nffit a few landsharks at the expense of the public*. This is what has been done in the pas:, but in those days there was no honest John Ballance to expose

CHRISTMAS. Of all the old festivals, that of Christmas I awakens the strongest and most healthful associations. There is a tone of solemn and eucrad feeling which blends with our conviviality, and lifts the spirit with hallowed and elevated enjoyment. The services of the Courch throughout the world at this season are extremely, tender and inspiring. They dwell on the beautiful story of thi origin of the Christian Faith. They gradually increase in pathos and fervour during Advent, until they break forth into full jubilee on the morning that brought " peace and good-will' to men. There is, probably, no grander effect of music on the moral feelings than to heav the full choir and pealing organ awakening the echoes of a vast Cathedral j filling the glorious pile with triumphant harmony, " Hark t The Herald Angels Sing, Glory to the Newborn King.' This festival, which commemorates the announcement of the religion of peace and love, has been mude the season for drawing closer the bands of hearts which the cares, and pleasures, and sorrows of tho world are continually operatiog to cast loose; for rec&iling memories of childhool; and for assembling undar the paternal roof, there to mutually " forgiva and forget ' o'd grievances and quarrels, and to let 89lfUhnees and bitter feeling bo smoothed away in the n-juvenatioo of thought and feeling j

in the universal rejoioing, Modern refinement has made havoc with the ancient customs of Christmastide. The world has become more worldly. There is more dissipation, but leas enjoyment. Pleasure has expanded into a broader but shallower stream. Then in the Colonies—the inversion of the seasons, and the occurrence of this season in the ndddle of summer—the tendency is for the people to disperse by excursion trains in search of health and enjoyment. The tent spread on the sea beach, the picnio in shaded wood, are preferable to crowded gatherings with "roaat beef, pliim puddings, and fixin's," followed by romping games. The sweltering, almost tropical, heat of our southern clime preclude all—(except the game ef mistletoe, which is happily indigenous to New Zealand. We believe that for every osculatcry salutation received and given under the magic bough one berry is pulled, and when all have disappeared, ' oscuhtions' must cease.) But though altered in its outward aspect, and shorn of its festive honors, Christmas is still a period of delightful excitement/ Home feelings are aroused; presents passing and repassing in token of regard quicken kindly fepling. Evergreens distributed about homes and churchesemblems of peace and gladnessall these have a most pleasing effect in providing associations of kindly sempathies, Even the voices of the impromptu choir breathe upon the midnight air with perfect harmony, In the solemn still hour we listen with a hushed delight as we catch the echo, borne down the long ages, of the celestial choir announcing peaoe and goodwill to mankind. Amid the general call to happiness, whal bosom can remain insensible 1 It is indeed the season of regenerated feeling and of happiness, which is the reflection of Heaven itself. We extend to all the warm grasp of fellowship, and in wishing a " Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year," hope that all may enjoy this happy season in the social sympathies which constitute a " Merry Christmas."