Correspondence.

Thames Star, Volume XII, Issue 3944, 19 August 1881, Page 2

Correspondence.

Theie iioluuiuaare open to all correspondence ot public uiterest, but we do not hold ourselves responsible lor the opinions of writers. Correspondence must in all r.ises be authenticated by the real name and address of the writer—not necessarily for publication, .but t as a guarantee of good faith. ,

(To tbe Editor of the Evening- Stab.)

(To the Editor of the Ev-jbning^Stab.)

Sic, —A letter signed " One Who Snows " appeared iv your columns a day or so ago referring to the matter of the acquisition of the freehold of the Gold*' field. While I admit that the Government should secure the freehold, I am not one who thinks because a Native Minister is opposed to the necessary outlay, and wou't buy, that no one else should. If Mr Comer paid for the Waiotahi block, he has a right to the revenue from it; but most people imagine because he has bought it from the natives that he can do as he likes with it. Such an impression is altogether erroneous, for he cannot change the terms of its lease to the Government, and will be. only entitled to the same revenue that the natives would have been paid had they retained possession. Besides, if the Government at any future time could be brought to see the desirability of purchasing the freehold for the public good, it could deal mor,e easily with Europeau proprietors thaja with the natives, and I believe that eyas at the present time Mr Comer would haiid over Waiotahi if he were "paid what it cost him. Therefore I think it better that the freeholds should be secured by Europeans than not at all. If I had money I should at once attempt to secure all the land I could get within the goldfield, and then sell portions to residents or to the Government at a fair valuation. As for Mr Speight's sudden interest in the subject, I can easily see the object: an election is not far distant. From my own knowledge the writer of the letter is correct iv his statements as to the exertions made by others in this matter, except that he should have given Mr Sheehan more credit than some of the gentlemen mentioned.—l am, &c,

Spectjiatoe,