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Gisborne Standard and Cook County Gazette, Volume I, Issue 53, 13 October 1887, Page 2

In reference to the land question, the Mayor made some very curious remarks at the meeting the other night. He said that if something were not done soon the district would be ruined, with the existing state of things and the heavy rates coming on. He was dealing with facts when he said the district was retrograding. We are Surprised at such remarks coming from one occupying the responsible position held by His WorshipUnfortunately there is a good deal of truth fa the statement that we are not progressing as well as residents might wish, but it is only a ripple of the wave of temporary depression that is passing over the colony—in fact over the whole commercial world. We are with those who are convinced that the harbor works are far—very far—from being an un. mixed blessing. We have persistently endeavored to concentrate public opinion on the all important lands question. We have always maintained that our natural endowments will eventually bring Us Into world wide prominence. But for the Mayor to say that because the district is and will be somewhat depressed, that we are to lie down and give out a last gasp—why, the Sydney Bulls, tin " skit " did not amuse us so much as this croaking idea. Beany, we can conceive no other solution of this strange statement than that His Worship was led away for the moment by the great and desirable object he was enunciating. There is not the least good fa setting to Work in a weak and hesitating manner, If ever a district were entitled to consideration, both from a local and, as regarda the land question, from a Colonial point Of view, this district does, and we should not approach Parliament in a half hearted way> begging consolation in our misery. Let us state our claim in the plainest language, backed up by the utmost strength that a right and just claim can command, and if we cannot get all the consideration that is due to us, we may at least get a portion of it, and half of our dues would be a inure substantial sum total than We have aver had much hope of. While on this subject we would draw particular attention to that portion of the Governor’s speech referring to native lands, as a set-off to the misleading statements of a misleading journal called the Herald. In concluding, without intending presumption we may express a hope that to-night Major Porter will—we know very well that he can—propound arguments that will admit of no further debate. . .« ■