SLEEPERS.

Oxford Observer, Volume V, Issue V, 26 May 1894, Page 3

SLEEPERS.

Sir. — When Tawere made the wild assertions, that he knew dozens of retired sawmill employees, his mind must ! have been effected by'the mirage which appears so frequently at this time of the year. He may have seen them up m the clouds, but he wont' see their ! names on either the Rate or Valuation Rolls, nor yet on the electoral rolls. I jwont ask him to read the Gazette for ; those columns are! as depressing ..as obituary ones and are not ..fit subjects for_aj»ind^e^Bed.- No necessity, for a walk from East Oxford v to View Hill The-RoadVßo*rdv- -m*p^&~&&ikjß ae.

cessible and the names of occupiers, landholders, mortgagees and bailees always ascertainable. Then where are prosperous mill employees. Not here. The Land shark elbowed them out of this. They are gone North, South, East and West and a few have settled permanently on six by twos, at Parish's corner and a few have settled on just sufficient land to starve on, purchased on time payments at ten iim.es more than.it? value and how could it be otherwise when nearly all the profits of the bush went to HerelordSt. m payment of rent and royalties. I am &c, Bushbat.

We have been asked to publish the following correspondence for the benefit of whom it may concern re Birch Timber. V ....... ..... . Telegram to R. Meredith Esq. . Railway Commissioners arranged to ask tenders for 140,000 feet of -Birch m Oxford district m 5 lots, -reason that -last tender was refused is that price for sleepers was too high, this will also be refused unless price satisfactory. W. P. Reeves. W. RydeEsq.

Dear Sir. In reply to your letter of the 15th inst the delay m replying was m consequence bf my absence from home at Cheviot. Piobably you are not aware that m addition tb telegraphing to the Commissioners "re Sleepers" I telegraphed and wrote to the minister of Labour impressing him the hardships inrlicted oh the ' Oxford Mill hands. I enclose you the telegram from Mi Reeves m reply intimating thafc tenders will be invited for 140,000 feet of Birch planking I presume, .so that you will see our efforts have been productive of some good. Please hand the telegram for publication m next issue of the " Observer" I should be most happy to do all I can both m the House and out of the House to assist the Oxford Mills in.ob taining a fair share of. timber required for public purpose. Yours faithfully, R. Meredith. :

W. Ryde Esq. Yours to "hand of the 15th inst, I am heartily, at one with you "that some of the Sleepers contract, should come to Oxford " but m the mean time I do not think it would be wise to press them m the matter. The, Minister of Labour on pressure by Mr Mfereditffand myself asked the Commissioner to let some Contract for timber m the Oxford district and I understand that tenders will be called for 14,000 feet of bridge-timber also the Member for Ashley is moving the Commissioner of Land, to order some culvert timber from Oxford for Cheviot. When the demand is filled I shall be at your service again but m the mean time'l tiiiiik you wilf agree" 'with me that as there is so much demand for labour from the Government all over the Colony It would be unwise to harass them for another month or. two. Faithfully; yours. D. Buddo.