DQWN WITH MONOPOLY.

Tuapeka Times, Volume III, Issue 132, 18 August 1870, Page 6

DQWN WITH MONOPOLY.

(To the Editor of the TuapeJcq Times..). Sib, — As none of our Waipori men, excepting " Mile," have taken up the above subject, I hope you will spare me room enough to. say a few words in your well known journal. I saw a copy of the Tuapeka Times, dated July 14th. Tour correspondent "Mite," in writing to you, says, '<What a change has come over this herebefore expensive place — we 'aye now got cheap pervisions ;" but he does not give the person credit who has brought about the great reduction in the prices, which now rule in. Waipori. As I consider Mr. Joseph Oox is deserving of the wannest support for bringing about such a state of things here, I think it is only fair that the public should know who their benefactor really is. I am surprised no abler pen than mine should be in readiness to express the gratitude of the inhabitants of Waipori to Mr. Cox for the bold step and determined stand he took some short time ago. The reduction in prices generally in Waipori will enable each member of the digging population to save at least £20 or £25 a year. Then " Mite," I notice, would like to see nobblcrsdown to 3d again. T confess I was a little sorry when they were raised again, but as it is, I think, seeing we get our tucker about a half less than formerly, we can afford to pay 6d a nobbier. Sonfe of these days I will let you know something about this quiet place. — I am, &c, N^d. Deep Stream, August 8, IS7O. SLY-GROG SELLING. (To the Editor of the Tuapeka Times.)

Sir, — I notice from the "Daily Times" the "Old Soldier" Mullady has transferred his scene of labour to Dunedin, and has succeeded in bringing two persons to justice. I cannot help noticing the very great difference in the amount of fine inflicted by the Dunedin Magistrate as compared with our up-country Magistrates. Squires Simpson, Wood, and Borton have each on several occasions inflicted fines of £20 for the very same infringement of the Licensing Ordinance, as the Dunedin Magistrate has inflicted fines of £5. I would, like to know how the heinousness of the offence is increased by being perpetrated in the country, far away in many cases from licensed houses. The R.M.s must have a very large discretionary margin to work upon, and their powers of discriminating the relative merits of the various cases which come under their notice must be very different in Dunedin from what we find them in the country. I should think Mullady will soon tire of the £5 arrangement if he only gets onehalf of each fine, as has been reported. — I am, Afc, Sly-Grog Seller. Lawrence, Aug. 15.