TUAPEKA COMMONAGE AGAIN. (To the Editor.)

Tuapeka Times, Volume VI, Issue 329, 11 February 1874, Page 3

TUAPEKA COMMONAGE AGAIN. (To the Editor.)

8m, — In your issue of last Saturday I saw an article headed "The Tuapeka Commonage," in which it states that the residents of the Blue Spur are the only parties interested against the leasing of the commonage. Now, sir, although the ground that is surveyed is in. close proximity to the Spur, it does not follow that the people residing there are the only ones interested. In these critical times ; one is very apt to grasp at a strawi A person partial to leasing would show very prominently that the inhabitants about the Spur -were animated with some selfish motives ; but we are all aware that the commonage is common property, each and all having an equal right thereto. Ninety per cent, of the cattle running about the dams and the Tuapeka Basin belong to residents in other parteet" the district. Now, sir, with regard to leasing, I have heard no reason adduced why the ground should; be leased, except that it will be less trouble to collect the revenue. I say leave it aa it is, but let the Government appoint an efficient ranger, and, with a Board of Wardens vested with power, the revenue will be easy collected, and I believe more of it. Besides, as long as there are residents on the goldfields to stock the ground, they ought to have the preference^ I believe in benefitting the many, and let the one take his chance, not to the one at the expense of the many. — 1 am, &c., Faie Plat.