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Hawke's Bay Herald, Volume 3, Issue 116, 10 December 1859, Page 2

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To the Editor of the Hawlce*s Bay Herald. Sir, — Hearing from my brother settlers some enquiry, relative to your old correspondent " Rusticus Primus," I beg to inform such querists that the old gentleman is still in actual being, and as much at their service as ever. In proof thereof, the fairlowing slight sketch of things seen and heard by that veracious individual during his recent travels, may he considered not altogether unsatisfactory. Speaking for himself, R. P. observes, — " I have much pleasure in stating my conviction that the new province of Hawke's Bay is in a fair way to become the gem of New Zealand. All that which I see, both in the country and town, bespeak an active, enterprising, and rapidly progressive state of society. It would be difficult whether most to admire the wonderful increase of stock, cultivation, fencing,, and home improvements, exhibited in the country districts, or the equally surprising growth of houses, shops, stores, and. streets, in what was only recently an unpromising little hummocky island, with a stretch of shingly beach, now assuming the and outline of a thriving port town, with here and there pretty smiling gardens, adorned with every variety of shrub and flower. These undeniable evidences of prosperity and advancement, shewing too, under very peculiar circumstances, viz., under a provincial government of a somewhat experimental character, and an adverse and stringent -state of the labour market. It is true that - notwithstanding tßl^|;apparent progress, there is much individual distress

and difficulty in financial matters, doubtless in some degree owing to the Bank screw being injudiciously tight, but mainly to the want of due' prudence, and to that dashing go-a-head principle so common in a new and energetic community. The probable best remedy for this social evil would be more indivi&traT caution and a well digested, carefully calculated scheme of colonial banking'which would afford aid to that importont class who, although the greatest producers, and holders of bj far the largest amount of real property, are debarred by the rules and red. of the. present system of banking,' from obtaining that assistance which the smallest storekeeper upon a borrowed capital can obtain almost at any moment. As regards the administration of justice in the new province, I can only say that, , believing the parties appointed for that most delicate office desirous of doing right, I have seen and heard some queer and inscrutable decisions, far indeed beyond my poor powers of comprehension. But, nil admirari, time will ameliorate these things. With respect to the new government, should not all good men rejoice? Have we not seen virtue rewarded ? Are not all the honest, disinterested patriots who, with thundering eloquence and heroic courage, went in for separation, — are they, not I repeat, the recipients of the loaves and fishes and honors in the new state of things 1 Yea, sirrah, and notwithstanding your sarcasm would you not like to have dipped your hands into the flesh pots ? Are not the grapes sour ? Well, perhaps so ; times are very hard, money difficult, a snug berth a great temptation. Therefore we will not be envious ; but only hope that those who have so cleverly and successfully catered for their own honor and profit, will not forget to do justice to all classes of the community, and prove to the world that it is possible for men to be mindful of their own interests ond yet not oblivious of the public good. Moreover,, ever remembering that when " circling time " shall change the men who govern, common fair play requires that the demand which the present occupants of place make upon the public to give them credit for honesty of purpose, should by them be accorded unhesitatingly to others. I dare not at present trespass further upon your limits. lam hopeful for the future, but we must all be vigilant. Look sharp ofter harbour improvements. ; they may be fraught with much good or unlimited evil. Upon the whole, the Napiereans are jolly boys, but must beware of going a leetle too fast. Farewell, with good wishes to all, Your old Friend, Rusticus Primus. ■ Hawke's Bay, Dec. 1, 1859.