CORRESPONDENCE.

Waikato Times, Volume V, Issue 298, 9 April 1874, Page 2

CORRESPONDENCE.

[We do not necessarily endorse the opinions expressed by our correspondents.]

(To the Editor of the Waikato Times.) Sir, — Why don't we go ahead is an expression often used by colonists of this province. Sufficient reasons may be given to fill a volume, but I only purpose to touch upon one or two. First, Why does farming not go ahead and pay in the Waikato ? Second, Why our flax -mills and other industries don't go ahead. Third, Why are our vast resources of mineral wealth not developed ? Nearly all your readers will remember the unavenged murder of Sullivan. The whole of the Volunteer Forces were called out for military duty, whioli was performed cheerfully although at great personal inconvenience and los 6. The settlers' servants, in lnan^ instance*, were taken away to reoruit the Armed Constabulary ; all work on the farm was in consequence abandoned, and in some instances large dairies broken up, and confidence in the peace of the district lost. Is it to be wondered at that when farmers were relieved from military duty they did not return to their work with their usual energy or prepare their land for a future ctod ? They did not know whether they would be allowed to gather their harvest in peace. Is it to be wondered at that, after tasting the sweets of high pay and indolence, farm servants refused to return to labour and usefulness ? The farmer was in conrequence compelled to bring fresh man into the district. In this time of peace, when the Government bid so high, it is not at all curious that men who contract for draining some of the vast swamps in the Wavkato tender at such high prices as to return them from 15s to a pound per day, liven the untutored navvies, on whom our settlers have hitherto depended in harvest time, or for picking potatoes, have adopted the eight-hour ticket with five shillings per day *» ages, and Is per hour overtime. ' Comparisons are odious ; ' but I ask you to compare the price of labour in this provinoe compared with that prevailing in Victoria and New South Wales, with their untold mineral wealth, and princely pastoral properties on which uncounted thousands of flocks and herds graze en the natural grasses. I say compare wages with those in the above countries, and you will find that the prosperity of the Waikato does not warrant the present high state of wages and I consider the present military force of the country absorbs too much useful labour ; in the hour of danger the number of men should be unlimited, but it should be distinctly understood that in times of peace a reduotion of pay and numbers will take place. I believe in a fair day's pay for a fair day's work, but as a taxpayer, I have a right to etpect a fair day's Work for a fair day's pay. I am of opinion that the country couid be equally well served by half the number of men at a much reduced rate of pay. Why don't our flax-mills and other industries go ahead ? Snllivan's murder also affected these enterprises. Our mill owners had not only to struggle against a falling market for their produce, but in addition, the Government stepped in and outbid them in the labour market. Tbe consequence is that many of our fl«i mills are idle, and much invested capital unproductive. Much capital has been invested at the Thames and Coromandel, and year after year investors hoped for a dividend. When improved machinery, science, and cheap labour were about to crown their patience with success, the Government bid for all surplus labour, with the result of a rise in contracts of 30 per cent. If 1000 navvies are to be had from Tasmania, it would be better to get them to do navvies' work and let soldiers be soldiers. To produce with advantage a hybrid between a soldier and a narvie is a tiling impossible. I have endeavoured to show that why we don't go ahead is because an extravagant Government competes with borrowed millions in the labour market with private capital and enterprise. — -I am, &c, _____ X. L.

(To the Editor of the Waikato Times.) Sib, — After reading the report of the meetings for school purposes at Te Awamutu ami Kangiaohia, some thoughts suggested themselves to my mind which yon will do me a favour to publish. The subject of public schools is one of such importance and such general interest, tbat I proceed at once to offer a few suggestions. The visit of the Inspector was so hurried that it was impossible for him to ascertain all the facts, and to comprehend at a glance the wants of the whole district, extending from Alexandra to Rangiohia in one direction, and from Ohaupo to Te Eahu in another. Already I believe that a mistake has been made in placing the Ohaupo School-room on the further side from Te Awamutu, and I can see that there is danger of other mistakes, being made as. each, settler naturally- desires to have the school as near his own dwelling as possible. Of course, the Inspector has many places to visit, but 83 the greatest haste makes the worst speed, so I think that such hurried visits oannot be productive of much useful information to the Board in Auckland. Again, 1 think that the visit of the Inspector ought to bo made public, so that every one interested in the cause of public education might have the opportunity of conferring with him and of comparing notes. I had desired much to see Mr O'Sullivan, but I only beard of his arrival on Saturday evening. I sought early on Monday morning feo find him at Mr Brady's, but he wa§ gone. If the exact time of his viait had been published in your journal or posted at the Telegraph Office I oould have "communicated to him some information, and I doubt not have received more. Again, I think that the timo of the inspection and examination of a school ought to be published for the information of the parents and the public. It is said that the visit of the Inspector to the school ought to be swift as lightning that there may be no trimming of the place, no forewarning to tho teacher. On the contrary, I bolieve that the sudden appearance of so important and learned a person as the In^ •pector awei the children, makes the teacher nervous, and allows no opportunity to tost fairly th© state of the school. Every one acquainted with school examinations knows that it it impossible to cook an. examination unless with the consent of the examiner. For these reasons I venture to suggest that the v.iiit of the- Inspector should bo well advertised both as to timo and place, and then that the school examinations should be as public as possible, to stimulate the teacher to please tho parents, and to show to the friends of education some of the results of our system of training. I feel so deeply interested in the subjoct, it is of such vital importance to our national as well as domestic improvent tbat I had intended to add & little moro in the way of suggestion, but I urn afraid of wearying you and your readers. — Yours truly, J. F. Manj>eno. To Awamutu, 6th April, 1874

A Chicago ' gentleman,' who advortises h in? self u possessing a * religious character ' ami ' fine moral distinctions,' desires a boavding-placo where ' bjs piouj example and exemplary conduct will be appreciated, *nd be made available ai an equivalent for board.' Mr Smith is bound to have his joke. Hi» wife walked nearly in front of a railway train the other day, and he said that if aha bad gone a • step farther ' his children would -a % ' •tep-mother.' He appeared the next day with one Biao of hit bead in a bandage