THE NGARUAWAHIA RAILWAY DRAINS. TO THE EDITOR.

Waikato Times, Volume XX, Issue 1650, 1 February 1883, Page 2

THE NGARUAWAHIA RAILWAY DRAINS. TO THE EDITOR.

Sik, — I would beg the favor of a small space in The Walkato Tunes to recall the attention of " those whom it may concern" to a matter ot very grave importance to a large number of the inhabitants of this district, but which appears to b& in a very fail* way of being shelved if let alone. I refer to the matter of the Ngaruawahia railway drains. Despite the innumerable memorials, deputations, press notices, and promises by Ministers and hon. members that this necessary work should be done, there is, hitherto, uot the slightest sign of a move towards fulfilment. The long dry summer, in which the work might so easily have been proceeded with, is fast passing away, and when the winter rains come again, no doubt everybody will as usual readily acknowledge the necessity, but regret the impossibility of executing the work until the return of the dry weather. The manner in which the settlers in this portion of the Kirikiriroa Highway District have been cozened and deceived in this matter of the railway drains, reflects anything but honour on those in high places who have so often pretended to interest themselves on our behalf. That . these drains ought to be cleaned out, aud at the expense of the ■ general Government (no matter "which branch), there has been no divided opinion. And the hon. member for' Waikato told the writer of these lines, on the Ng.miawahia railway platform, in the presence of another gentleman, " that he had himself tseen thY oider for the work written by the Public Woiks Minister, and that he actually saw it sent to Mr Hales." 2STotv, the questions which very naturally suggest themselves to the writer as well as to the many to whom Mr YVhyte's words have been repeated are, whether the Minister was not deceiving the hon. gentleman, or the hon. gentleman cajoling the writer ; or which is more probable, whether Mr Hales, whoever he might be, has not thought fit to treat that order with contempt. If the latter suggestion be the correct one, it does certainly seem rather humiliating to be a " Minister of Public Works " as compared with any other of the high offices— that of Defence for instance— when a subordinate official may or may not objey an order as he pleases. I rather think that iif the Hon. Johu Bryce had issued the order in question it would have been obeyed. Trusting that the above few lines will clianc'e to mdet the eye of whoever is to blame in this matter and induce them to put things to rights for their honour's if not for righteousness' sake. — I am, &c, SCBOBBAN. Ngaruawahia, Jan. 31;