A WORD TO "HARAPIPI."

Waikato Times, Volume XXXIV, Issue 2793, 7 June 1890, Page 2

A WORD TO "HARAPIPI."

TO THP! EDITOR. Stu, —I think Mr Parr is to be congratulated that he did not waste his ammunition (if I may so speak) on " Harapipi" re progress, as that gentleman's opinion, as I shall endeavour to show, is not worth much. Let us, by way of illustration, suppose the case of a hive of bees, who through the foolish extravagance of a Queen bee, and retinue, get the estate mortgaged, as we have done. When the swarm realised their un fortunate condition, they would no doubt hold a consultation; we can easily imagine how these spirited little workers would treat a drone, if one took the liberty to dictate or advise. He (the drone) would likely bo stung to death, and be found lying outside on the foot-board. Now, though I do not mean to say we should kill " Harapipi,', yet he, being but a drone in the hive, has no claim to be heard. We are all aware that our debt and taxation is very heavy indeed, and we want industrious practical men and women, who would assist to develop the resources of the country. But, while we see " Harapipi" pose, as a leader of the people, a front rank man, I am safe to say, that he neither risks a sixpence, nor does he cultivato a rood of ground. From his actions and from his letters, I conclude that his conduct may be compared to that of an officer with an army in. the field, who, when work is to be done seeks cover, yet, when the army meets with a check, the same gentleman is heard through the trumpeter, " I told you so. I knew what would happen." In such a case the righting men might well be excused if they suggested that the bugler take no notice of such a hoodlum. " Harapipi" approves of the Property-tax. On that question he may be classed with those of our professional politicians who pay none. For them, our Government bloodhound is muzzled ; these gentlemen are under cover, and can look on with complacency when he (the collector), armed with the powers of the law is let loose upon others; whild iu many instances the aged, the infirm, and the widow, get shaken for taxes on funds they have lost. The same gentleman in a lotter some time ago, informed ua that lie was tired trying to reform the people of New Zealand. On that occasion, through ignoranoe of his own character, he erred from the truth, and did himself an injustice. When he knows himself better he may confess that ho is a man that will never weary in well-doing, so long as he can sun himself in your columns at a reasonable cost.—Yours, &c. Rank and i'iw. May 31st.