FIFTY YEARS AGO.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVIII, Issue 20978, 15 September 1931, Page 6

FIFTY YEARS AGO.

EXTRACTS FROM THE HERALD. The following are extracts from the New Zealand Herald of September 15, 1881: It is unfortunate that the AttorneyGeneral could not have introduced the bill to provide for the settlement of the thermal springs districts at an earlier period of the present session of Parliament. It appears that it is only recently that Ministers have been able to come to an understanding with the natives in regard to a number of the springs. They are not disposed to sell, but are willing to hand over the springs, with 5000 or 6000 acres of land attached, to the Government, who would have the power of lease for periods not exceeding 99 years. The development of the district as a resort should be a subject of great importance. Then, our islands have beside the mineral waters to interest seekers of health and pleasure. Almost everywhere there is picturesque scenery, and thus the concourse of strangers drawn by tlie springs to particular parts will directly benefit the whole colony. The great Labour agitator, Mr. Garrard, has often been twitted with clamouring for work while at the same time praying in his heart of hearts that he might never find it. This is one of the libels the reformer must expect to endure as the penalty of greatness. Yesterday he might have been seen acting as bricklayer's hodman for the nonce, and to the inquiry, " Why is this thus?" he only remarked that he must work now as the time (the general election) cometh when the cares of State will prevent him from doing so.