CORRESPONDENCE.

Tuapeka Times, Volume II, Issue 68, 29 May 1869, Page 3

CORRESPONDENCE.

oo — ~~~

BLACKSMITHS' PRICES.

(To the Editor of the Tuapeka Times.)

Sib, — I am quite taken aback by the generosity of " A Blacksmith " offering to put shoes (or boots) on the poor feeb of "Barefooted Old Nag," or, rather his master. I thmt "A Blacksmith's " argument in favour of maintaining the present exorbitant prices ii» one of the, lumesfc he could have adopted, freight from Tokomairiro to Lawrence being only 2s. per cwt. ; and as it takes nine sets ef shoes to weigh lewt., I find that the freight on a set of shoes from Tokomairiro to Lawrence amounts to the enormous sum of twopence thrcefarthings, for which " A Blacksmith " has the conscience to charge six shillings. As to the freight on his coals, it does not amount to one farthing per lb., and is therefore equally ridiculoup. I fully« endorse " Barefooted Nag's " opinion as to the prices charged by our Lawrence blacksmiths, and maintain tha€ they are not only unreasonable but unjust. The fact is they have more work than they can well do, therefore can afford to be independent. WhLe such a state of things exists we may grumble, but must put up with it. There is one way to bring " A Blacksmith " to reason, viz., encourage another blacksmith to come and settle in Lawrence, where, I do not hesitate to say, there is a good opening for one who would do to others as he would like to be done unto. — I am, &c,

Equity.

Lawrence, May 24, 1860.