Original Correspondence.

Dunstan Times, Issue 246, 11 January 1867, Page 3

Original Correspondence.

TO THE EDITOE OF THE DUNSTAN TIMES.

4th January ISC7.

Pm, —After along absence from your columns, I venture oaoe more, with your permission, to intrude myself and give you a few ideas on topics likely to engage our attention during the ensuing year. On refering to your last issue in 186G, T lind it stated that we have arrived at a great pitch of prosperity, I sineerely hope so, but unfortuntely on looking round I cannot rec ignise the evidences; some men may have become richer or poorer, but to my unprejudiced eye-sight, matters generally are much in statu quo, as when last I had the honor of addressing yon ; true we have the elements of progression among us, have we not municipalities formed, and a Chinese emigration ; with regard to the former, as the gentlemen composing the Corporations have not the power of action conferred on them, yet a good deal mkdit be left to the imagination as to the benefit to be derived from such institutions in this part of the word ; as to the Chinese element, I am inclined to think that the advantages of such an introduction are v ay doubtful, a few persons will be benefitted, but with the majority the reverse will be the case for by the sheer force of numerical strength,. John will oust the Euro-1 yean miner from the district, and those depending on him for support, but they deserve it, as the illiterate few who did I not cordially welcome Clung Chong, you doubtless '.vas .not aware, when writing illiterate few in your article, that the said i.few, comprised the residue of miners left j in the district, who, to say the least, canI not but feel ilatteivd by the compliment, the remnant will become. small enough •eventually, to satisfy the nost ardent : admirer of John Chinaman': I ana inI firmed that nine-tenth's of the Mongolians i do no.t lake out Miners Rights; this | requires consideration, if the aovarnment expect to reap a benefit, they must try some plan for making it compulsory, or tley will lind in the end their account with J olm on the wrong side of tht\ book, | 1 see our good friend Mr Vogel,] since becoming Treasurer, has caused a deal of j i money to be placed to the credit of the j up-country districts, for roads.&e. I 1 trust I the Editorial eye will be kept wide , open i as to the spending of that money its we are not likely to strike 1 such another patch for a few days ; it is to be hopedN that the various sums will be laid out for; the permanent good of all, and with due regard to economy, I would suggest that I in place of frittering away the grants Iby government day labor, the works to \be I let in small sections, to cooperative parties I of working men (of whom I know thciVs ' I are plenty), by this plan, a great saviim

of time and money would he effected, 1 have seen it tried elsewhere,- and can vouch for its accuracy.

As I find I am trespassing too far on your space, I will defer further observation to another day, in the meantime, I remain &c. Viatob.