OPUNAKE MAIL SERVICE.

Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume I, Issue 82, 22 January 1881, Page 3

OPUNAKE MAIL SERVICE.

TO THE EDITOR OF THE STAR.

Sir,— On the above subject, through tbe columns of your impartial journal, I respectfully ask your kind permission to make the following remarks : —

This Opunake mail in question, some eighteen months ago I made application for its carriage, but was distinctly told that whilst the constabulary were on the Plains, the service would be performed by them ; and now, to my astonishment, I find that the Government privately gives a round sum of £75 per aunum to Mr. Prosser, who, by-the-bye, refused some time back an oiler of £50 for the performance of this " secret mail service." Considering the foregoing, sir, I must say that the Government has acted in a very indiscreet manner in this, as in other matters, by apparently favoring " pets " at the expense of the country, in not calling for tenders, and giving the public a chance of competing, when I am confident it would be taken at a lower figure than the gratuitously offered sum referred to above.

In conclusion, sir, I have shared in all the hardships on this coast through war times and peace, together with being the first to run a vehicle regularly to Opunake under very trying circumstances, and now find the fruits of my labors will be reaped by others, unjustly aided by a one-sided Ministry, which conduct at next session of Parliament I trust may not be overlooked. — I am, &c,

J. Flynn.

Hawera, 21st January, 1831.

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