Untitled

Waikato Times, Volume VII, Issue 353, 18 August 1874, Page 2

(To the Editor ot the Waikato Times.) SiRi — The following letter and petition were sent to me on tbc 21st of last month, but Abraham Barton, a Maori to whom they were entrusted, threw them away. They were found on Thursday last, and reached me this evening. As Mr Hill and the rest of the Raglan settlers must think it strange that no notice waß taken of their communication, I shall feel obliged to you if you will publish this explanation, which will also apply to a copy of a petition, for the closing and sale of useless roads, forwarded to xne on same date, by thcChnirman of the Mangipiko District Board. Mr Hill's letter and draft of petition are as follows : — Wiveliscombe Farm, Ruapuke, Aotea, 14th August, 1874. Major Wilson, Dear Sir, — I have just drawn up a petition, (a copy of ■which I enclose.) or rather two petitions to the House of Representatives and Legislative Council of New* Zealand, relative to the Raglan and Waipa road, and Telegraphic communication with the Waikato. As I know you take an equal interest with ourselves in this matter, if you can spare the time to assist us, by getting up similar petitions at your end, I believe this time some good result will follow. — I am, &c., &c, (Signed,) T. B. Hill.

"TO TIIE HON &C. &O. " The bumble petition of the undersigned residents of Raglun and Aotea, beg most respectfully to call your attention to the continuedisolation of their position through the want of telegraphic and road communication with the"W«ikuto and other parts of the province. Your petitioners have lived in the hope that a pood road between this district and the Waipa river would have been made long ere this, so that population may be induced to settle here, our natural and other resources developed, and the waste lands now lying idle, utilised. Your petitioners feel certain, that by the opening of this road, the expense will soon be recouped by the Bale uud settlement of the valuable land that will be thrown open. Your petitioners trn3t that you will take their case into your favorable consideration, and speedilj cause the said road to be made, and the telegraph extended to the town of Raglan, and yom 1 petitioners, as in duty bound, will ever pray, &c, &c." I hare forwarded these letters and petitions to the Chairman of the Newcastlo District, with a request that he will lay them before the Board at its next meeting, and in the hope that some action will be at once taken by the members/ more especially as regards the Eaglan road, about which there is, I imagine, but one opinion among the settlers, — I' am, &0., &c, Thomas Wiison.