Correspondence.

Daily Southern Cross, Volume XII, Issue 826, 29 May 1855, Page 3

Correspondence.

%• Our correspondence columns being impartially op»n, nr* »rt ■not to bo idtntifitd with any opinion expressed therein.

To tht Editor of the Southern Crott. Sir, — The writer in your contemporary under the heading of " The Honest Government" appears somewhat startled at the (to him incredible) quantity of 200,000 bushels of wheat estimated as having been this year grown in the Waikato District, and asks if it "has ever occurred to Mr. Smith or myself to calculate the amount of freight thus asserted to be awaiting removal." The quantity 200,000 bushels does certainly at first sight appear large, and I confess I was myself a little sceptical of the correctness of the estimate until I was assured by persons who have lately visited and others who are settlers or traders in various districts of the "Waikato that the quantity is not over-estimated. It never, however, " occured to me that the wheat alone, awaiting removal would amount to more than 5000 tons, besides allowing 1000 tons for other produce." The writer appears quite a dab at figures, and appear amazed at' the result of his own calculations. He has quite overlooked, however, to make any allowance for the consumption of a population of not fewer than four j or five thousand persons who being principally natives consume a great quantity of flour, which, together with the quantity required for seed purposes, would make a considerable deduction from his 5000 ton calculation, but which, nevertheless, would leave a very large sui - plus for sale and which must all be transported by way of Waiuku to find a market. It is not my object to enter into a newspaper argument with the writer of the " Honest Government," but merely to correct the wrong impressions conveyed to public by his mis-statements and fancy calculations. Is the writer of that letter aware that a considerable quantity of the wheat grown in the Waikato District last year has not yet (owing to the difficulty of getting it conveyed to Waiuku) been transported to a market, and of the wheat grown this year there is every probability that a still greater portion must be kept back for a considerable period unless, indeed, something is done and that immediately, either in the clearing the Awaroa or making a tramway ; the all importance of such' an undertaking I firmly believe alone actuated Mr. Oldfield in bringing the matter before the public and not as the "Honest Government" writer would in&inuate for purposes of " an electioneering dodge." It appears to me, however, that neither tramway nor any other great and necessary works will be either projected or allowed to be undertaken by the presently constituted Provincial Council. I speak of them as a body, judging of their actions during the late session, as a combined political faction, they are obstinately opposed to any great or important improvement lest it should add to the influence or strengthen the position of the present Superintendent because he happens not to be their own man. Nothing satisfactory or beneficial can loe expected until a dissolution of the present Council takes place, when such does take place it will be well, if the respective constituencies will select men who will represent their interests and endeavour to advance the Province generally. Some of the present members are very good and well enough meaning, but the majority appeari to me, and probably to many others as well, to lack in wisdom ; intelligence and foresight and totally void of those independent principles, which they ought to possess to fit them for the high and honorable position of legislators, amongst the latter, allow me to class my honourable friend the writer of " The Honest Government." Yours &c, May 28,1855. Waiuku.