The Star. SATURDAY, APRIL 10, 1830. TO OUR READERS.

Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume I, Issue 1, 10 April 1880, Page 2

The Star. SATURDAY, APRIL 10, 1830. TO OUR READERS.

We alwayß distrust a man who comes before the public for the first time and forthwith proceeds to promise all sorts of things to everybody, in order to gain popularity and — his point. We shall, therefore, carefully refrain from making any promises beyond those which have already appeared in the printed prospectus which has been circulated in tho district, and from which we quote the following: — " The proprietors will only advocate that which they believe to be honest, truthful, gentlemanly in tone, and creditable both to the writers and publishers ; they will endeavor to watch over the interests of the district and to press foi a fair and impartial consideration of the claims of the locality, and they hope at all times to avoid the advocacy of the interests of any particular class as opposed to those of the general body of the public. It is proposed to devote especial attention to the procuring of the latest telegraphic intelligence, to the diffusion of all the agricultural news of the day, and to the maintenance of a good correspondence with the seat of Government. The proprietors believe that they will be able to fully satisfy their supporters in these particulars." In regard to the latter portion of the above extract, we venture to point out that it contains a distinct promise to obtain the latest telegraphic news. This the first issue of the Haweba and Noemanbt Stae contains evidence which proves that the promise has been already fulfilled. The proprietors have joined the Press Asso- | ciation, and will share all the advantages offered \jy~ii to its subscribers, and have algo^jmade arrangements with

Keittbk'b Agency, by which meanFtES* public will be afforded an opportunity -of obtaining ths latest news from all parts of the world promptly and with.oiit.fai]..With reference to > p«Ht''*s, we istciiu to pursue a perfectly independent course, and shall not pledge ourselves to give a thick-and-thm support to any Government, no matter how popular they may be for the time being. So far, however, as the members of the present Ministry are concerned, we believe them to be capable administrators, and men who have the best interests *of the country thoroughly at heart. Their action, in reference to the Native difficulty on this Coast, has met with the approval of nine -tenths of the colonists throughout the length and breadth of New Zealand, but more especially from those who are able to divest themselves of party spectacles when looking for the best method of solving the Native problem. It isour earnest desire that both races should live in peace and harmony, and we have but little doubt in our own mind that the firm attitude taken up by the present Native Minister will be more conducive to that end than either palaver or flour-and-sugar. We can, therefore, conscientiously support the present Ministry, so long as they continue to pursue the same line of action that they have hitherto done.

The settlement of the people on the land, and the opening up of the country for settlement, "will always have our best wishes, and we shall advocate that every possible facility shall be given to bona fide settlers. Land cultivation, it is_well known, cannot be entered into without a certain amount of capital, according to the acreage taken up, any more than cabinet making, saw-milling, printing, or

any other line ol business. Whilst anxiously looking forward to the settlement of the waste lands of the colony — believing, as we do, that it is only by so doing that A'ew Zealand can hope to successfully tide over its difficulties and meet its engagements — we shall not pledge ourselves to support Utopian schemes, or to encourage visionary enthusiasts.

In regard to the future prospects oi this literary venture, we may explain tha"t we look upon the undertaking as a co-operative one. The success of the project practically depends henceforth upon the amount of support accorded to it. The proprietors have placed their fortunes in the hands of the public, and simply undertake to try and merit their support, by providing a good and regular supply of reliable news at a fair price. The financial success of a newspaper depends largely, if not chiefly, upon its commercial management. . Those who do business witn this paper will find that the proprietors are prepared to deal liberally and fairly with their supporters on a strict business footing.

We have now made our first bow to the public, and have delivered the usual introductory speech which custom and literary etiquette requires from a dibutant. The proprietors desire to return their most hearty thanks to the business people and settlers for the pleasant and cordial reception accorded to them personally, and also for the liberal measure of support which has already been extended to their undertaking.