THE YEAR'S RETROSPECT.

Evening Star, Issue 7412, 6 January 1888, Page 2

THE YEAR'S RETROSPECT.

TO THE EDITOR.

Sir,—ln your review of 1887 you state that you wish some of those who talk so much about Protection would either go to Victoria or America, when they would soon wish themselves back again. No doubt they would, if this Colony were made as prosperous as it ought to be. Where is there a colony that can produce as many bushels of corn to the acre, or where eo good a climate; and where is there a spot on earth with more natural resources than our own New Zealand? And yet people are leaving this land of beaut)', not from choice, but because they are compelled to go where they can earn a living. Many have gone, and many more would go if they could only get. If you doubt it, «r, you would soon bo undeceived if the Freetraders and squatters would only subscribe to send as many of tbo unemployed away as chose to go._ You would then have such an exodus to Victoria, where the Government appear to have sense enough to try to find their artisans employment, as would satisfy your wish. I do not claim to be one of the unemployed, and yet, if business does not improve with me, I shall be compelled, though mush against my wish, to leave this land of my adoption until a wiser Government attempt to, make the Colony prosperous. The policy you have advocated has forced the cream of our' population to leave these shore?.' Many who have gone, away would bn only too glad to return if a revival of trade could be brought about, but as it is they are obliged to stay where they can earn a living. The present Government, which you belaud so highly, have, in my estimation, done more mischief this last six months than can be undone in years. Their policy of retrenchment is a sham •" and' the

win in many. in*B§£ a?* njsiP . tf , *]"* tid revised the TttiJFfo enoottngelooal indu»« lies. The slo*r aid sure poftt <rf the StoutTogel Government w»ji f»r ptigHafy to that of flie Atkinson one, whjeh be only good at pulllni down, inste>d*»{ building up, You state that the prospajjHor 1888 is not bright. to »y ttiat many wULjigree with you inihftt at least And j£s if we only had wise fjttesmen at the head iorVaffaira we the lead of the -Australasian colonies; and probably be the most prosperous people on the face of the earth.—l am, etc, - AdvaSce New Zealand. Dunedin, January 4.