Our Auckland Letter.

Thames Star, Volume XII, Issue 3961, 8 September 1881, Page 2

Our Auckland Letter.

(fbom oub' own cobbespondent.) I Auckland, Wednesday. THE KAMO COAL. Mr Joseph Bennett, who has some connection with the Kamo Coal Company at Whangarei, has returned from a trip to the Empire City, after interviewing Ministers and button holing Messrs the rats about concessions which this eminent geologist thought he would get conceded, but did not, is very troubled in mind at his treatment after doing so much soft soap for Messrs Whitaker and Co. in Auckland. Joe should recollect that his gas is not so powerful as the motive' power which works the Bay of Islands Coal Company and the Taupiri mine, and iv which some prominent local citizens are both directors and shareholders. I wonder whether Mr Bennett has heard the glowing account which Mr Brett, the owner of the Star, has given of the Xamo coal. Take my tip, Mr Manager: it is worthy of enquiry, and may be of immense help to you for further guidance. rfiANKLYN CONSTITUENCY. Mr Hamlin will seek re-election for one of the Franklyn seats. Young Buckland is also in'the field, and Mr Crawford, of the Wairoa, is thinking also of running for the coveted honor of being an M.H.R. for this important electorate. CITY WEST. There are rumors of Mr Henry Brett being requisitioned to announce his candidature for one of the proposed seats in Auckland City West. He may do so, but it may also have the effect of lessening his receipts by some hundreds, without even the prospect of the honorarium being available as a set off. Mr Brett has so far tided over any newspaper opposition, but tie may find out that such a glowingly prosperous future may not always follow. That'election matters are likely to be lively after the House rise's, and members hie home, there can be no doubt. In anticipation of the campaign, 1 a lot of quiet registration is now being completed. THE EXPENSES 01? BOYAL COMMISSIONS. I Here is an instance how the taxpayers' money is frittered away on Boyal Commissions. If the amount for short-hand reporters, printings advertising, trains; steamer fares, and stationery were added, your readers could see the probable total for this '" engineering " business, for as at present published the return is only misleading:—West Coast Native Commission, £403; Railway do., £1136; Civil Service do., £1315; Local Industries do., £783; expenses not named, £2000—total, £5637. Pretty nice grand total this for Ministers to sanction who are paid for public*services to shift the work to pliant shoulders at the expense of the State, and to benefit their friends. I wonder bow many other Boyal warrants will issue for similar duties when Parliament is ended and the scenes are shifted.