CORRESPONDENCE. [We do not necessarily endorse the opinions expressed by Correspondents.]

Waikato Times, Volume VII, Issue 401, 8 December 1874, Page 2

CORRESPONDENCE. [We do not necessarily endorse the opinions expressed by Correspondents.]

(To the Editor of tlio Waikato Times.) Sm, — Not long sinro one of the proprietors of ono of the cveninj; journals in Auckluml paid the Wnikato district a viwt, and nfleflrn veiling through it nod seeing its capabihtie* promised the, set tiers to start an. opposition paper to

Waikalo Times. Shortly after tins a circular was distributed through the district, and it was announced that the intended editor would shortly visit the district, and that the paper would be issued in the raiddlo of November. As it is now the beginning of December, and there is no appearance of it, would you oblige myself and several others (if possible) by informing us if they have altogether abandoned the project, or if it is still in contemplation ; because I think if it is not intended to earrv out their ideas as announced by the circular, that it would only have been courtesy on the part of Messrs Keed and Brett to have informed those persons who promised them support (and some of whom are still expecting the paper) of their intention not to carry out their proposed scheme.— l am, &c , A Settler. Cambridge, Dec. 5, 1874.

(To tke Editor of the Waikato Times) Sir, — In your issue of the 3rd instant you draw attention to the necessity that evists for an engineer in this district, to superintend the work of the Highway Bonrds, and so prevent the waste of public money which at present is considerable. In conclusion you state, " However this course " (the appointment of a coinpeteut engineer) " is not at present open." I am at a loss to understand what should prevent such an appointmont being made. Clause 75 and the four followiug clauses of the High ways Act, 1874, specially provide for the appointment by the Superintendent of Engineers for different districts, upon application from the Boards, and also for the payment of such Engineers from monies appropriated by the Provincial Government for that purpose, and that each Board shall pay a small percentage on the work done for them. In August last I applied to tho Superintendent on behalf of the Newcastle District Board, to appoint an Engineer under clause 75 of the Highways' Acts. 1874, at the same time addressing a circular to most of the Highway Boards in the district, asking them to co-operate in the endeavours to secure such an appointment, by sending in numerous applications, and from several Bonrds I received replies, promising that they would do so at once. This application was met by the stereotyped answer that it should receive consideration. It wi'l thus be seen that no blame can be attached to the Road Boards for making no effort to procure an Engineer. When in Auckland m October, some hope was held out to me by the Provincial Secretary that an Engineer might be appointed for the Waikato and Enst Coast, even this would have been better than no assistance at all. On the 2nd ultimo I again wrote to the Superintendent, urging the necessity that exists for some professional assistance being at once placed within reach of tho Highway Boards in order that no timo may be lost in taking advantage of the next few months to expend the current rate. To this last application I have received no reply. As to the probability of the Boards receiving any assistance from the engineering staff of the General Government in this district, I wish to mention that the chaiiman of one of the Boards made repeated applications for such assistance last year but without success. When the Highways Act was being considered by the Council some opposition was raised to the clauses referred to, and the Government made a decided stand in favor of them, yet, when the Act has become law it seems convenient to lot the matter lapse. If the Provincial Council is called together only to make laws which his Honor and his Executive can disregard or fail to carry into force as they may think fit, it would ap- i pear to me that this is a strong argument in favor of {Mr VogeJ's resolutions. There is little necessity for the Council to waste more time than is necessary to vote the salaries of Provincial officeis. — I am, &c, HENRY BYRON. Te Kowhai, 7th December, 1871[The phrase referred to by our correspondent, " however, this course is not at present open," was not intended to convey the idea that the law would not allow of it being pursued, but that from the repeated refusals (as referred to in the above letter) of the Provincial Government practically precluded its adoption. There is no doubt that a great grievance exists in respect to the matter, and we are glad to see that the supineness of the authorities has been brought under public notice.— Ed. IV. T.~\