BETTER GOVERNMENT

Westport Times, Volume III, Issue 412, 25 November 1868, Page 2

BETTER GOVERNMENT

(To the 'Editor of tjm Westport Times and Charleston Argus.) Sir.—Tt is with considerable reluctance that I approachasubjectso important as the political ecouomy of New Zealand, being well aware of my inability to do it justice; but if the veterans —namely the older and abler heads—will not trouble themselves, it is time recruits like myself did so.

I look upon the existing state of things as a disgrace to the community at large. I will now give you my views on some of the most important questions, and I feel confident they are the same as are held by the bulk of the people. First we have those cumbrous, costly machines, Provincial institutions. The sooner theyai-e done away with the better, for no man who has been in New Zealand for the last seven years can say they have been a success. What is wanted is a cheaper form of local self-government, with a small staff of efficient well-paid officials. The ignorance and want of ability of the public servants of New Zealand is too notorious. To that cause alone may be attributed a considerable amount of the present evils—namelj l -, heavy taxes, and an increasing debt, with little or nothing to show for it. As a proof of the cupidity aud want of common-sense of some, we have that bright idea, the Nelson and Oobdeii Railway. Some two years ago I thought of settling in this part of the Island, aud made enquiry as to the price of land, and fouud it was £2 per acre for land up the Grrey, yet our rulers, in their wisdom, will give ten thousand acres or £20,000, at their own valuation, for constructing a paltry tramway three feet six inches Next comes the Native question—the most important of all. Here our rulers have behaved like fools. After each unsuccessful attempt to grapple with the monster, they turn on one another with the childish cry of "It was your fault; why did'nt you do so and so." No; it is not " "Why don't you do it." I sincerely hope and trust the people will arouse themselves and see the necessity of sending a different stamp of men into the Assembly. Hoping that you will forgive me for boring you with so long and clumsy a letter, —I remain, Sir, Tours respectfully. A DIGGEB. Rochfort Terrace, Nov. 20.