CORRESPONDENCE.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume XII, Issue 3804, 7 May 1891, Page 2

CORRESPONDENCE.

Stoats and' Weasels.

(To the Editor.)

Sir, —I notice that in the lasshipment of stoats and weasels there was a 1038 of ninety-five. This, combined with the total loss of a former shipmeut, means a sarious loss to the district. The question is now, sir, "Is the Board justified in ordering any more, seeing that the same loss may continually occur?" It cannot be denied that the stoats and weasels which have been turned out arc spreading all over the country, and that we are allowing ourselves to be taxed simply to supply other districts. Would it not be better to go back to the old state and escape the tax now imposed upon us ? 1 would suggest that the Board endeavour to get the Government to provide settlers with rabbit proof netting on the same principle as the loans to local bodies, compelling settlers to at least ring fence with it. The rate would in all cases pay the interest, and the result would be more satisfactory in every way, as I am confident that it would be the large holders' fault if they did not, with a great deal less expense, keep the pest under. Small holders should be able to externum te the pest altogether. If the Board would work in this direction they would be doing incalculable good to the district. On the other hand I contend that the good the stoats and weasels are reported to be doing is a great deal over-rued. lam certain nobody has watched more carefully than I for the good promised, nor anybody been more disappointed. Then again, I consider the appointment of four men to assist the Inspector—who is quite able to do all that is required—an insult to the intelligence of the settlers, a useless and unjustified expenditure.—l am, &c, Settljse,

[To the Editor.]

Sib, —The principal of " Leaving well alone," was this day given expression to by the return of the old members of the Upper Taueru Road Board, at the election just concluded at Bideford, Ifc is a flattering testimony therefore to the justice and impartiality of theirproceedings during their tenure of office, and when con-, trasted with the feeling usually existing between ratepayers and their representatives in other Road Districts, shows that the settlers in that locality are living in a paradise of contentment, as they are charged j with a minimum amount ot rates, whilst enjoying the maximum' amount of the comforts and conveniences of good toads, skilfully made and fairly distributed. Though the election was contested, it was no proof that there was any dissatisfaction, either expressed or implied, by the ratepayers generally. In every community tbera are aspirants for office, prompted either by vauity or cupidity, and possibly by ignorance, quite regardless as to their fitness or otherwise, for the position the) seek to fill. As a general rule, it is well that elections should occasionally be contested, if only to wake up and warn those long iu power that their seats are not fixtures, and may be lost to them if not mindful of their duties, 'or that they have ceased to be cm rapport with their constituents. Rut there is another aspect of the question, and that is the cost and annoyance incurred to the rattpayers by a contested election, which should never have taken place if common sense had been exercised ii the matter. It would be well if regulations similar to the Act in force for candidates to

the House of Representatives were also applicable to those seeking a seat on Road Boards, where a penalty is inflicted on a candidate whose votes are largely in a minority. This would the effect of checking the aspirations of the mere spouter, or stump politician, so frequently found amongst the so-called Liberals, or the unwashed portion of the community.—l am, etc., Veeax.