WHATAWHATA.

Waikato Times, Volume XXXI, Issue 2547, 6 November 1888, Page 3

WHATAWHATA.

KAMWnANIWHA KOAl) AKV> MAJOR JaCKson.—AuiMiig the questions put to Major Jackson, at Te Awamutu, was one in reference to the road works now going on at Kaniwhaniwha. Without going into the question as to how the money was obtained, there can be no doubt, but that a much needed and important public work is being carried out. The settlers of the • Kaniwhaniwha," though numerous, and occupying some of the richest of our lands, have been hitherto practically locked m from the want of even decent load communication, and the extensive road works done some years ago, including the Kaniwhaniwha bridge, have been to a great extent useless, owing to this gap of several miles being unmade and impassable. It is not on account of local matters that we find fault with our member, it is with his colonial policy; but this has been so clearly dealt with by you that any remarks are unnecessary, except to say that your leader has met with general approval. The Sick Natives.-I am glad to see Mr E. Fitzpatrick taking up the cause of the sick natives. As one of the oldest traders on the Waipn, thern aro few who know tho natives better than he does, and he uses an argument which shows that his knowledgo of human nature is not altogeher a matter of to-day, when he says the European settlements are sure to be effected as the summer advances. Mr FiUpatrick here appeals to a feeling which he knows is considerably stronger than mere philanthrophy, namely, selfpresetvation, and this, combined with your comments, may result in something practical being done. Cooperation.—Theairisagainsnmewhat full of co-operation, and the words " combination " and " association " are freely used, but there is a species of co-operation, which we might all engage in, without incurring any risk over shares, or loss of time in attending meetings, and which is generally overlooked in the Waikato. Thb is what might be termed, " the national spirit of mutual help in our respective business. There is too much of the cheap trading, by which I mean, that all classes, fanners included, if they can save a sixpence upon the purchase of any article will do so, even if the money has to be sent right out of the country to accomplish it. How frequently do we see traders quoting Southern' or foreign prices, and importing Southern and Australian produce, if they see a chance of additional profit; and the farmers in their turn when they get a cheque, which, by the way, is not an every-day occurrencej du they spend the money loyally with the Waikato traders, or do they not more frequently, send it away to support some Cheap Jack in the large cities? All classes appear oblivious or indifferent to the wellare of tho other, as though we were not all rowing in tho same boat, and a very small boat too. Co-operation is a much-abused word, and perhaps one of its most curious phases was exhibited by our late Farmefs Association, when it riea.'t in the manures of a manufacturer 10,000 miles away, while the manures of a local manufactory of equal quality, and made in great part from the bones and offal of cattle grown upon ourown farms,were completely neglected. Where was the national spirit of cooperation shown here?