THE NEED FOR WAKING UP

Evening Star, Issue 12899, 23 August 1906, Page 6

THE NEED FOR WAKING UP

An esteemed correspondent has handed us the following letter. It speaks for itself, and it is worth noting: We business people in Lawrence aroagain on the warpath for close settlement in emi district. The Greenfield Settlement was cut up, mainly owing to our exertions. Now wo are going to have a try for about 6,000 acres which lie between Lawrence and Waitahuna. The land is good and the owners are prepared to sell at a reasonable price. My reason for writing you is this.- the extension of the railway to Roxburgh will not do us or the people in Dunedin a great deal of good unless the land is settled, and as we are. all growing older the 6ooner it is cut up for close settlement the better for us who are now carrying the burden. Money is beir.g spent all over the colony for this purpose, which b no doubt a good thing from a national standpoint; but if Dunedin is to go ahead, not forgetting ber country townships, some of thifi money must be spent m her back blocks, and if we do not ask for it, and ask pretty straight, we will not receive our share. I have been watching the trouble over the harbor-railway works, but even when this is overcome we must have the settlement in that part of Otago which feeds Dunedin. This is only a start of oiir work. The Beaumont wit] next claim our attention, and so on ail th< way up the line. Looking at Dunedin from a country point of view, and noting the small attendances that, as a. rule, gather to discuss matters of vital importance to the town and port, it appears that there is only a handful, yourself in the number who will sacrifice any of their time from their particular trade or business. If this state of things cbntirraes, Dunedin" may wake up at tfbe next census to find herself stHl further-behind the leading cities. However, what we require is your support and influence with the Dunedin membera. Chu member (Mr Bennet) and Mr Allen (for Bruce) will .both ,do their best, and we trust to have the.petition in.-the House for the second week.' I know vou are a busv man. and you may think this is rather a small matter to bother about; but it's a start, and, as I said before, more will fol- [ ow - A- good many farms are changing hands here, mostly to South Canterburv buyers, and all appear to be well satisfied with their deals. We are goinc; to do out level best in this matter, and then heqp at it as th© a liao jioes ahead*