CORRESPONDENCE.

Tuapeka Times, Volume V, Issue 238, 22 August 1872, Page 8

CORRESPONDENCE.

WHY^EBXAtfDIrA 5 IS ifo'T !" A '' ' PROSPEROUS. -* (To the Editor.) Sib,— In my visits to Alexandra, I find . thirjgs ape not improving, but going r^hep - backwards. . I ma§t f&y it is a 'great pjty. 1p is not the district's faiflt ; for lam certain there fs not a district in the province that has got more room for remuneratiye, speculation. It is the peqple's own fault. Anything that is brought; forward that would benefit the district, especially if mooted by certain individuals, is bound to meet with any amount of opposi Ition. In fact, mo§t people knowing nothing hold high opinions of their own ability, and obstruct eyerythiiig. I speak from .experience. . I vjrill give you one instance which was 1 a death blow to Alexandra. It was a few year? ago/ when the district was pretty strong in financial resources, and seyeraV companies were in active operation. A meeting was convened for the purpose of forming a prospecting association, and a good round sum was collected, and the government promised to give two pounds to one for to further the project. It appears tha.t Mr. Shakemyhead was the promoter, and Mr. Knockitdown supported him j and both gentlemen can shake and knock some good i<iea§ o\}l when required, which is generally seen when too late. A fair number attended the meeting; -and Mr. Shakemyhead explained bis views, stating the good which would be derived from the object. His idea was to purchase a large wheel and Californian pump, and other necessary requirements, so as any of the present companies, op new companies forming could have the use of them for prospecting, which would be a great inducement to minors. But Mr. Soft Soap could not see it and opposed it directly, saying he did not think the public ought to supply any company with plant. He could not see anything to be gained by it, and the Long G-host backed him up ; as did also two or -three of our townsmen who took narrow views on the matter. It is plainly now to be seen that the scheme was genuine, and would have been beneficial. Where are the mining companies now ? Why, one is defunct, and the other is persevering on last legs. What is the cause of this disastrous result ? Why the very fact of them having to purchase plant to prospect with.' Had the} been furnished withone, possibly they would ha**> pintp i nt a few months prospecting, and if unsuccessful returned to their, claims, and would have been in a good position, today. . , - ! But, the fact of the matter is, the people will not unite together and try and further the interests of the district. At meetings there is too much opposition, and anything that is done is not notified in our local.paper. We have to look somewhere else for encouragement.. Thi|is rather sickening. — I remain, <fee, Obsekver. Alexandra, 12th August, 1872.