IN THE STREET.

Bay of Plenty Times, Volume 1, Issue 3, 11 September 1872, Page 3

IN THE STREET.

Standing, as I frequently do, at the corner of streets and often in the vicinity of public-houses, there is seldom a discussion either upon matters of public interest or private scandal but what 1 hear. Havings also some status in society-, the weak-minded often c«me to me for support and assistance ; and even their stronger brethren, when overcome by heat, of argument or the closeness, perhaps, of tho debating room, not unfrequcatly favour mo with their company, and demonstrate their opinions to one whom till find a patient listener.

The topic of conversation for at least a day and half has been “ our new paper,” or a 3 others, in kindly though somewhat patronising style, term it n the " Tauranga Bust er bub as Shakespeare observes, “ What’s in a name?’’ However, as a rule, I fancy all the speakers have been pleased that there is a paper. It is impossible for me, in tho small space 1 suppose you will be able to grant to one writer, to toll you ail I hear ; it will be better perhaps to let you have tho most irtmeeung of my experio ces.

In the pi. me you have got considerable credit for Slaving so deci iealy expressed your opinions relative to tho native policy and the Hon. the Defence Minister. Peace is better than war. The latter may be the means of putting money rapidly into the pockets of a few, hut those who do the fighting work come the worst off; and again, look at tho depression afterwards. Another says, ** But peace at any price is bad : think of the humiliation.” Stuff and nonsense, we have had already so much of that a little more won't hurt us ; and X thought to myself that speaker hopes to make a rise, by a war. "Wbab wa want is population—“ the more the merrier,” for if numbers do not bring money, they earn money somehow or other in shape or form, for they must live ; and the human race advance in colonising and settling very much as a flock of sheep do through; a break in a hedge into a grasp paddock: only get one or two to go ami others will follow. “ Hook at this district,” says one, “ a fine wheat growing district [ja judge, too, in those matters]. Well, get one or two successfully to grow* wheat, and we shall soon have a srood export.” But I mast listen for a little more from my agricultural friend.

You said in your last (I ought to hare said first) that the “ natural advantages of Tauranga had been often dilated on,’ hut 1 never heard when or where. It is true the harbour had been time after time praised and cracked up as it justly deserves, but stiff tint and the wonderful Lake country; do nob make Tauranga. Tauranga lies between the two. 'You should tel! the world something: about the place—• about our land, our settlers, and our other advantages. Look at the Wairoa River. Why, you can take a steamer up for miles, air,” X heard yesterday ; bat perhaps I may be able to glean something during the week. So a poor mars is sent to Mount Eden three months for getting drunk, and his friends think because be served his country for 30 years ho ought to be let out. Well, it is very sympathetic of them and kindly meant, and if a man chooses to get drunk Jet him do it at home; but you cannot expect magistrates to stultify themselves, and rescind (even if they had the power) a decision in the face of all those previous convictions. What in tTiis I hear about the Masons wanting to get up a Lodge ? Mow will they manage about their rooms, and bow is it to be supported. Masonry no doubt is a very good institution. If anyone wishes to join let him ask the wife of one who is already a brother, and she will tell him it is go. But if they get a Lodge in Tauranga, it is to be hoped it will not be used for party purposes or reduced to a matter of mere money. Nobody here seems to know what Jackson’s amendment, seconded by Kelly (of East Coast) was ; something, however, in support of Government. This reminds me that. “ our member ” is doing very well ; but he must get us the timber money. Why all the other regiments got it, and not the First, I don’t know Let every man of the regiment who staved in the district get his timber, “ that’s all ws want.” By-the-by are you aware we had a newspaper once before in Tauranga, bub it died. One thing can be said of yours—the typo is good ; and if you give us the truth, and nothing but the truth, of both sides, with plenty of information such as wo require, I think you “ stand a show.” If you would like to hear more next week, just send your young “devil” round with some pens, ink, and paper, after dark mind, and don’t .spiT on yours September 7, 1872. PAXJxrtrs. [The above came too late for insertion in our last. — Kd.]

We clip the following from c-n exchange : —“ la the Houso of .Representatives, on the motion of Mr. WKelly, a resolution was adopted requesting his Excellency to cause to be placed on the estimates a sum sufficient to give effect to the report of the Public Petitions Committee of Last session in the case of certain military settlers of Tauranga, the amount so to be expended not to exceed £750.”