LETTERS TO THE EDITOR.

Dominion, Volume 1, Issue 307, 21 September 1908, Page 8

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR.

THE ROLLS. 3111. ATKINSON'S LETTER TO THE PREMIER. Sir,—lt is somewhat sad to find that in his letter to tho Premier Mr. A. R. Atkinson admits that his ingenuity is unequal to the task of supporting the bluff of tho Hutt NoLicenso League in its alleged desire to bring an action for libel against the Hutt Licensed Victuallers' Association in conncction with a resolution passed by the latter organisation directing tho attention of the l'rimo Minister to tho conviction of a claimant for enrolment, and asking that steps should bo taken to prevent tho development of " practices which are intended to bo used as a means for roll-stuffing."

AYo may gonerally look for extravagant expression in tho utterances of ordinary NoLiconso supporters, but it is somowhat disappointing to find a lawyer of Mr. Atkinson's standing employing the languago of the kerbstone when ho finds the facts of tho caso arrayed against him. . Howovor, wo may leave him to muse over those " offe: ive reflections " and " mendacious insinuations " whjlo I procced to deal with what he terms "the essential facts of tho caso."

Mr. Atkinson says:—" As long ago as April last, Mr. T. Townsend, the secretary of tho Hutt No-License League, ascertaining that Miss Carter, tho defendant in tho case in question, would come of age before the date of the local option poll, informed her that she would bo able to vote, and noted hor for enrolment at tho proper time. In July Miss Carter was canvassed by Mr. Sussex, another member of tho league, who had had no communication from Mr. Townsend on tho point; and was not aware of what had been already done. All tho questions prescribed by law wero duly put by Mr. Sussex, hut believing that, as sho would be of age in October, she was entitled to bo enrolled, Miss Carter answered tho first question in the affirmative, and signed tho claim. The error was without any excuse in law, but it was a very natural ono under tho circumstances, and it surely reflects 110 discredit on any member of tho league."

Now, it will bo admitted that Miss Carter ought to know as much about the " essential facts " of the caso as her lawyer, and in a written statement signed by her she says: —" I was induced to sign tho enrolment claim by Mr. Thomas Townsend, although 1 explained to him I was not yet 21 years of ago." I will bo pleased to show Miss Carter's full statement to anyone who desire's to seo it.

Miss Carter subsequently explained that when Mr. Sussex, of the No-License League, •ailed to enrol her she informed him sho had already been enrolled by Mr. Townsend, but was told by Mr. Sussex that on the occasion when she thought Mr. Townsend had enrolled her sho had only written her namo and address 011 a piece of paper. Can Mr. Atkinson explain, then, how Mr. Sussex became possessed of this information? Mr. Atkinson in tho foregoing "essential facts" now seeks to throw all tho blame on tho girl, who, 110 says, answered the questions prescribed bv law, which were duly put to her by Mr. Sussex. But Mr. Atkinson, in defending Miss Carter in the Magistrate's Court, used these words: "Defendant had heen told 011 two occasions that she would bo. quite ri.eht in signing an enrolment form as she would be of age before tho date of the elections. The defendant therefore did not think she was breaking tho law in doing as she did." Can Mr. Atkinson satisfactorily explain to tho Prinio Minister and the public the serious discrepancy in his two statements, or will lie be good enoufih to tell us what were tho two occasions when Miss Carter was assured of immunity from the law. and who were the individuals primarily resonnsiblo for having a criminal ehargo brought against her? Mr. Atkinson, as is ouito natural, is nnximts for a lawsuit, and if he only whispers tho information in his possession we may be able, to provide him with tho material. —I am. etc., J. CAREY FITZGERALD, Secretary. Hutt Valley Licensed Victuallers' Association. September 19, 1903. THE WOODWARD STREET TRANSACTION. Sir, —Kindly permit mo enough space to reduce tho evidence in the Woodward Street case down to bedrock. I will deal with tho evidcnco publicly a little later on, and as tho evidence is so tinctured with conflicting statements, it may bo analysed to some advantage. But here is tho bedrock result of'tho case from my point of view. I have proved beyond any doubt — 1. That, with tho aid and assistance of tho Mayor of Wellington, tho Hon. T. Iv. Mncdormld lias acquired a portion of Crown land without "public competition. 2. That Mr. Macdonald made an' application to tho Crown, which tho committee held could only bo" regarded as being 011 behalf of the Wellington City Council, which was unauthorised by the council, and misleading both in substance and fact. 3. That upon the Crown consenting to tho alienation and requiring tho purchaso money, that the. said purchaso money was paid out of the funds of Brandon, Hislop, and Johnston. 4. That the Wellington City Council did not at any time require the said Crown land for street-widening or any other purpose. 5. That tho consent of the Crown was obtained without tho knowledgo of any member or official of tho council. The press, of course, has not had time to grasp tho strength of tho evidence or tho inadequacy of tho committee's report. The matter is not settled. It is only in its infancy. I am more than satisfied that I unearthed a transaction that would not, under any ordinary circumstances, havo been tolerated. I remember a,n old bushmau who used to say "It is easier to catch measles than a greased eel." I think that's true. However, the public shall havo a resume of tho whole case very shortly.—l anr, etc., F. M. U. FISHER. Wellington, September 20, 1908.

[With reference to Mr. Fisher's statement that the purchase money for the derelict section was paid out of the funds of Messrs. Brandon, Hislop, and Johnston, it is only fair to that firm to explain that the evidence shows that their connection with the transaction was merely to pay the cheque on behalf of a client who held a mortgage over tho property.] GOVERNMENT AND LAND SETTLEMENT. Sir, —As this is an opportuno time with Parliament assembled and election approaching, with your permission I would like to ventilate a few facts in connection with tho ever-important subject of "laud settlement." All will admit that from 0110 end of tho Dominion to the other the land hunger still remains unsatisfied, and the Government pretend that they are doing their best to satisfy that need. I will hero prove conclusively that the Government aro as much hindering settlement as they aro helping. Tho Wairarapa has a reputation all over the Dominion of being a first-class pastoral and agricultural district and of invariably good climatic conditions. It is also erroneously believed that thoro is littlo if any Crown or Native lands remaining unsettled. This is not tho case in tho South Wairarapa. Tliero are 35,800 odd acres of good pastoral lands lying idle, including 22,800 acres of Native and 13,004 acres of Crown lands. Tho Government land is known as tho forest reserve and Haurangi blocks, and kept as a sanctuary for deer and a sporting ground for a few tourists for a oncc-a-yenr outing. Tho bush on this land is of no value for milling purposes, yet the Government through the medium of one of their offices (tho Land Board) have repeatedly refused applications and are unlikely in tho near future to favourably consider any, and liavo evidently given tho Acclimatisation Soc'ioty control of it. In tho faco of tho kcon desire on tho part of would-be good settlers, and tho competition shown by the Tawaha, Dyer Settlement, nnd Table Lands ballots for lands in this fertile district, we ili« present Govornment

fclio Liberal and Democratic Government tlioy profess to be when they knowingly hinder settlement in the interest of a few "sports,'.' who caro nothing whether New Zealand sinks or swims, or what is the state of her prosperity, so long as they get an outing and a head or two?

As an owner of land adjoining this vast block of country and one who has been all through it, 1 can speak with some assurance of its possibilities, and putting it on a safe basis of calculation, the following will show at least what this block of land, which the Government refuse access to, is capablo of doing:—The Crown land is capablo of giving homes to twelve or thirteen families, and carrying 15,000 sheep and cattle, and tho Native land would cut into twenty holdings and carry 25,000 sheep,' which in all would yield to tho Dominion through its occupiers at least £19,000 per annum, and furthermore the employment given in connection with this farming must be taken into account. To start with, tho whole of this country would need to be felled, sown in grass, and fenced. Thus £70,000 would bo circulated perhaps tho first year after occupation, and tho land thereafter would be earning, as shown, not less than £19,000 per annum. The Native land adjoining is of equal quality, and has equal possibilities. It is known as the To-Ivopi-Waitituma Block, and comprises 22,800 acres, which some few years ago had 38 owners, all of whom wore anxious to lease, as tho land was not, nor is it yet, yielding them anything, and they can neither lease nor sell, and our Liberal Government has for years past been fooling these owners (poor, helpless Maori), and acting dog in the manger. They would not purchase themselves, and would not allow any private sale or lease to bo made.- It is high time the Natives had a real live Minister at tho head of affairs, not one of the "Taihoa" stamp. I am suro of my statements regarding the Native portion of tho lands referred to; for some few years ago 1 was negotiating with someNativo owners for a lease of their portions, but found that tho land was denominated.inalienable by tho Crown, and the Natives woro helpless to got tho hide-bound restrictions removed.

I do not altogether blame the Government for their past actions in restricting the sale or disposal of Native lands, for I am ready to admit that there are many nnscruplous Europeans who are and would have been only too willing to take .advantage of the Natives had they possessed tho power to deal with their own lands. But as tho Natives have for years past been striving to ■ turn these lands to profitable account, why do the Government not purchaso at a reasonable and fair value, or allow the Natives to lease 011 similar lines, and thereby do their duty in further opening up, and give an opportunity to those in quest of land, and a further impetus to "land settlement," which without doubt is this Dominion's sole dependency? There are 110 less than four surveyed roads into the Government's portion of these idle lands, and tho Native portion could bo admirably served by seaboard as well as being favourably adapted for roading. I should like to road tho Government's defence for not opening up this fine piece of country, when they could do so with a very small outlay, and when several applications from bona-fido settlers have been refused by the Land Board, even though the applications have been supported and recommended by the member for the district, whose colours aro nailed to tho Government mast. •

It is only a short time ago that tho Minister for Lands was approached by a deputation on behalf of Martinborough Town District, who prayed that a small piece of tho Crown land be placed in trust for the town, with a view to a future water supply and other benefits, only to bo refused and told that the Crown land was locked up as a sanctuary for deer; I am as fond of sport and as keen for it as any, but why hinder settlement' and progress in any district wliero good land is availablo in the interest of a few tourists, when there are thousands of acres of lands in tho Dominion fit for little else than deor or such big game? Tho commercial interests of the Empire City and this district are certainly inseparable, and I trust that some abler pen than mine will find soifio "why's" for tho Government to answer in this connection. —I am, etc., T. 0. HAYCOCK. Martinborough, September 15. THE TOWN BELT BILL Sir,—The Town Belt has remained so long in its barren and desolate stato that 0110 would have thought that every citizen of Wellington would welcome any attempt for its improvement. But old age still claims its prerogative of Conservatism and endeavours to preserve the evils of "tho good old days." Consequently the ncstors lof this city aro moved to anger, at the presumption of the advocates of cliango and progress. Thoy have abodo long amongst naked, wind-swept hills and gazed with unpitying eye upon their empty, scarred surface. No thoughts of the sliado of pleasant trees or the windings of pleasant walks have attracted them.' They havo been content to let opportunities pass and improvements wait. Yet when a younger and more eager generation takes the field and offers to make ,thc belt what it was intended and granted for—a place of recreation—the gray-boards hold up their hands in horror. "True," they say, "wo have done nothing. Wo can suggest nothing. But we intend to oppose this attempt, and to keep tho belt barren and useless."

The remarks of the score of citizens who attended the meeting on Tuesday night are more amusing'than instructive. It is always good to have keen criticism, resulting in improvement and enlightenment. Mr. T. F. Martin's opinion on a technical point can bo taken as sound, and this ovident oversight will be corrected in committee. The other objections amount to this: "The Bill will rob tho citizens of the Town Belt." This is a more battle-cry, however. It conceives the Bill, as a magician's wand, on tho waving of which 300 acres of the Town Belt would vanish into space. Tho real purpose of tho Bill is to enable the City Council at its discretion to lease to tho amateur sports clubs-for recreation purposes certain portions of the Town Belt, not exceeding in all 300 acres. Those leases are to be subject to stringent conditions. Tho largest lease contemplated is 30 acres, and such an area, is to be leased subject to further stringent restrictions. It is thus clear that the persons who are to benefit are the citizens of Wellington. Nearly every ablebodied citizen belongs to or takes an interest in some sports club, and £t is for his benefit. These leases should bo granted, and tho consequent improvements carried out. If the Bill becomes law, it will provido sports grounds for thousands throughout tho year. Tho sports bodies are not selfish in tho matter: they are merely practical. A lease of portions of the hitherto unutilised Town Belt can harm no one. The council has power to lot the land on building lease. But it has wisely refrained from doing so. In a similar manner it will see that only beneficial leases arc granted under the Act. The rosult will be tbat where the cow now chows its cud, or tho gorse and broom flourishes, will develop neat tennis courts, bowling and croquet greens, football and hockcy grounds. Every Saturday will see these hitherto deserted spots providing recreation for hundreds of. both sexes and of all ages. Tho children or those who wish to get "far from the madding crowd" will not bo injured. There will • still be about 1000 acres for them to forget "the ignoble strife" in other parts. Very probably all people of this nature could be comfortably disposed in about ten acres. Trusting our representatives in tho House will urge on tho passing of this measure, and confer a boon on tho Wellington citizens.—l am, etc., COMMON SENSE. September 16. CONSUMPTION. Sir, —Surely there is unnecessary alarm about the infectiousness of consumption—an alarm that has grown liko Jack's bean-stalk —sinco it was first stated tbat tho disease can bo communicated from ono person to another. This remark is called forth by the objection, raised at tho Benevolent Trustees' meeting yesterday, by Mr. Hogg, to tho sending of a consumptive man to Christchurch by steamer. Does that gentleman consider consumption to bo infectious jn tho manner that scarlet fever or small-pox is ? If this is truo, then his contention is correct, but it is quite timo to have somo authoritative, statement that we can depend on, so that wo may not, in our fears, do serious korjn to many individuals. As a

layman, but at tho same time one who has somo knowledge of the laws of disease, I consider that it is a very simple matter to take precautions to render the man's passage by steamer quite innocuous to others, and tliat thero is 110 danger of tlio " spread of infection 011 the steamer." The matter is settled —the man is to go hut my reason for writing this letter is. to draw some attention to what seems to mo a harmful scare with regard to the infectiousness of consumption, and I should like to have my opinion either confirmed or controverted. —I am. etc., „ ANTI-SCAItE. [Tho Public Health Department states that consumption is certainly not infectious as scarlet fever and small-pox are. Phthisis of tho lung, which is meant by consumption 111 tlio above case, and in 95 per cent, of eases, is spread only through tho sputum. _ Iho only precaution necessary to prevent infection is that tho patient should not cough or spit except into a rag, which should be promptly burned, or 110 might spit into a llask, the contents of which should bo destroyed.] MR. HALL-JONES ON RAILWAY FARES. Sir, —It is reported" in a recent issue that tho Hon. Mr. Hall-Jones stated that ''tho passenger rates for long distances wero lower on New Zealand railways than anywhere else in the world. It was 400 miles from London to Edinburgh and 42G from Wellington to Auckland, yet the third-class single ticket from London to Edinburgh cost more than tlio first-class for the longer journey in New Zealand." Tho first-class single faro from Wellington to Auckland is stated in the railway guide to bo 51s. 9d. I have travelled often from Edinburgh to London third-class, and my recollection is that the fare was about 335. single. I have inquired at a well-known tourist agency in Wellington and am informed that it is really 325. Bd. _ If this is correct, tlio Minister's statement is wrong. Everyone who has travelled knows that the fares are lower at Homo than with us. Also, that tho trains are more comfortable and go much faster. It is Just what , might be expected bearing in mind tho magnitude of the traffic and tho keen competition'which exists between the rival companies. It is bad enough to have our railways run at a los 3 without being asked to believe that they are bettor and cheaper than in the Old Country. —I am, etc., EDWARD NEWMAN. Marton. RONA BAY WHARF. Sir, —Regarding the subsidence of the Rona Wharf, would it not be better for the Harbour Hoard to consider tho cost of moving tho wharf to the place where the steamer could always call in any weather—tha.t is in tho bay opposite Rona House? This is where several residents pointed out to Mr. Ferguson at tho time, viz., that vessels could not come there in bad weather, north or south wind blowing. Scejng that the board has lot a contract for improvements to the wharf at £4GO, and tho present pairs will cost, say, £250, or about £700 total, this would pay for shifting and erecting tho structure in a sheltered place, and thus be dono with expense for all time, also giving a chance of lowering tho wharf 3ft., as at present it is too high.—l am, etc., GOOD ADVICE.' September 15. NEGLECTED OPPORTUNITIES. Sir,—Permit me to write a few lines with reference to Mr. Eraser's lecture given on Monday, September 14, at St. Thomas's Schoolroom, on Maori early history, mythology, manners, customs, etc. It is deplorable to note how very ill-attended are these public lectures at South Wellington. I have had tho pleasure of being present there 011 sovoral occasions, and speak from experience. These lectures are given free—Mammon docs not stand in tho way, therefore one wonders at such neglected opportunities on the part of tho citizens. What ideals is the present generation forming to hand on to tho future? Such questions need a serious reply. I write in true earnestness, hoping you will take up tho matter, and deal with it, in a more able manner, whicli "will give credit to your editorial staff. —I am, 'etc., ANON. . September 15.