IN REPLY TO "OLD COLONIST."

Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume II, Issue 101, 2 April 1881, Page 4

IN REPLY TO "OLD COLONIST."

TO THE EDITOR OF THE STAR.

Sib,— On reading " Old Colonist's " letter, in your issue of the 26th ihat., I could not but compare him, in my ■own mind, to that anti-progress gentleman of Taranaki, who. opposed the macadamising of the roads, on the .ground that it would be a source of expense to the settlers, as it would then be imperative on them to get their horses sbod. "Old Colonist," although writing under a nom-de-glume, has, I think, reversed himself as an old identity — one of the unfortunates left without a sinecure by the pruning hook of Mr. Bryce ; but it is indeed strange that the experience of ibis individual should bear fruit in a •childish attempt to set town and country interests at issue. It must be known to him that the heaviest stakes in the town are held by men living on, or working farms in the country; that its advancement is watcbed with as much interest as the improvement in their rural property ; and that, apart from such considerations, the progress of the one as an inland township is but an evidence of the prosperity of the other. Position, public opinion, and population have therefore assigned to Hawera the premier position as a centre. The Government have recognised it as such by holding land sales here, and by appointing a resident Eeceiver of Laud Eevenue. Position cannot alter, and the many new building to be seen seem to denote that the tide of public opinion and population will not be changed by the " logical " effusion of " Old Colonist." Government buildings are a leading feature in those townships in which they exist, contrasting favorably with other public buildings. Here the reverse is the case, for no other reason than that funds are not available for the purpose, as the Government have recognised the necessity that exists for suitable buildings. What, then, are the sinister motives which prompt "Old Colonist" to come forward? Can it be that the gentleman was a tenant of the " augean stable" alluded, to by Mr. Bryce, and trembles for any other position he may hold, seeing that new blood and honesty of pur- j pose will not tolerate inefficiency in public positions. — I am, &c, ' Observer No. 2.

TO THE EDITOR OF THE STAR.

Sib, — " It's an ill bird that files its ane nest." That old proverb applies to " Old Colonist," whose letter you published in last issue. Any one who takes the trouble to wade through that entanglement of bastard reasoning will see that the signature ought to have been in the plural, as the Roman hand of more Lhan one " Old Colonist" is plainly perceptible. The " luxuries " advocated by the Star, and condemned by "Old Colonist," could only be considered luxuries by that little band of "Old Colonists" who have spent most of their lives with the natives.

If l may presume that " Old Colonist" lives in Hawera, it is evident that bis nest is good enough to satisfy his ideas of progress ; but I think he need not dirty it to such an extent that no one but himself can live in it. It is said that Caesar remarked, " I would rather be the first man in this little village than second man in Rome." Does "Old Colonist" wish to pull Hawera down, until he will be the first man in it? If he did do so, he would be the only man left when he had reached the consummation of his desire. — I am, &c, New Chum. Hawera, 28th March.