PIGEONGRAMS.

Thames Star, Volume IX, Issue 3023, 23 October 1878, Page 2

PIGEONGRAMS.

OBXxranrosx.

(fbom oub own cobbespondbnt.)

Pabboa,Tuesday. In my last I promised to refer again to tj ■■ c maccountable delay in the reerection of the Government Buildings removed from Mackaytown some months ago. Kindly allow me to put your contemporary right as to the position that the majority of the Paeroa residents have taken up in this matter. In yesterday's issue he says that "last week a number ot the residents made a representation to the Government on the subject, and if the usual course is not deviated from on this occasion, counter representation will follow, and so the Government will continue in a state of . bewilderment, and chaos and confusion will reign instead of law and order." The following are the facts of the case : Six months ago a contract was let privately for the removal of the Government Buildings from Mackaytown. It was not stated positively where they were to be reerected,. and the business people of Paeroa began to suspect that matters were not going straight. After the work of demolition had began, and while the first load was on its way from Mackaytown, a site was marked out on land which had been secured by certain speculators, although a first-class site in this township, which had been reserved a long time previously, was then actually occupied by the police, whose quarters it was also intended to remove to the new site. The business people of Paeroa would not submit quietly to be trampled upon for the benefit of private speculators, and an indignation meeting was held without delay. A strongly-worded memorial, containing a request for a strict investigation previous to the reerection of the buildings, was forwarded the next day by telegraph to Sir George Grey. There are black sheep in most flocks, and history has shown us that traitors to the common weal are always to be found. Certain parties interested themselves on behalf .of the speculators, and got up a counter memorial, but the least said about, the way it was got up the better. I doubt whether the promoters would get the use of the same cat's-paw again. The result of the memorial sent by the principal business people here was that an order was sent to delay the reerection of the buildings pending an enquiry being made. Some time afterwards Mr Superintendent Thomson, of Auckland, was instructed to report as to the most suitable site, and he visited this district accordingly. The Government then stated that they would be guided by his decision, and the memorialists were satisfied to await patiently the result. However, week followed week, and momh followed month, but the Government made no sign. Telegrams were repeatedly sent, urging them to take steps without delay, but to no effect. The last one, sent some time ago to Sir George Grey, was not even answered. The patience of the memorialists was completely exhausted, and last week, instead of making further representations? to the Government (as |6ur contemporary puts it), they requested Mr W. Howe, M.H.8., to ask in the House the reason why the Government delay the reerection of the buildings, seeing that Mr Superintendent Thomson had reported on the subject some months ago. They also requested him to move for copies of all correspondence received by the Government relating to the matter in dispute. The original memorialists do not fear the light of day, and, as your contemporary rightly says, they " are wondering what influence is brought to bear to prevent the reerection of the buildings." It is really Very strange that the Government cannot make up their minds and decide upon one site or another, instead of leaving the timber to rot on the ground. Your contemporary is pleased to term this matter a " trifle," but he may yet find that it would be more properly termed " a public scandal." If Mr Bowe does his duty to his constituents in this district he will probably learn more about it anon. If necessary the matter will be pushed to its extremity next session, as the memorialists do not intend to allow speculators to ride rough shod over them.