The Taranaki Herald.

Taranaki Herald, Volume XXX, Issue 4118, 23 August 1882, Page 2

The Taranaki Herald.

PUBLISHED DAILY.

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 23, 1882.

On the 17th April last, Sir William Fox, West Coast Commissioner, wrote as follows to the Hon. the Minister for Lands : — " Feeling the great importance of the work being finished as soon as possible, both with regard to the settlement of the native question, and the occupation of the country by European Bettlers, which is certain to follow, it appears to me that it would be a great mistake to delay its completion a day longer than can be helped. By doubling the number of survey parties, and expending the same amount in one year instead of two, it seems easy to accomplish it." Again, on the 3rd of June, we find Sir William Fox, in presenting his annual report to His Excellency the Governor, returning to the subject. He writes — " The cost to the Colony would be no greater, but rather less, if the work were performed in one year instead of three, as it could be it your Excellency's Government is prepared to authorise a very considerable increase in my present survey staff." We need not apologise to our readers for once more referring to so important a matter. Over and over again it has been discussed in our leading columns. Our correspondents — from the White Cliffs to Opunake, and from Opunake to Patea — have given expression to the general opinion that the survey and settlement of the couu-

try have not proceeded with that expedition which settlers were led to expect when the Royal Commission was first appointed. As will be seen from the foregoing extracts, no person is more anxious for the speedy completion of the work than Sir Dillon Bell's colleague, although those who know no better have charged Sir William Fox with extravagant expen- ! diture, and with a desire to make his Commission last as long as it was possible to do so. During the late debate in the House of Representatives on the vote for surveys being discussed Mr. Kelly attributed the delay to the fact of two survey departments coexisting within the Provincial District; and Colonel Trimble, whilst urging on the Minister of Lands the necessity for completing the surveys on the West Coast as speedily as possible, stated that " Sir Wiliiam Fox was hampered in his work by the want of vigour withjwhich the surveys wore being conducted. " — (Hansard p. 586-7). It will thus be seen that our remarks, and those of our various correspondents, have borne some fruit. As to whether there would have been more expedition had Captain Skeet and the remainder of his staff been under the jurisdiction of Mr. Humphries, instead of being directly responsible to Sir William Fox, it is not at all to our purpose to discuss. Judging from the report of Sir William Fox, to which is attached memoranda and reports from Captain Skeet, we think most impartial minds will be disposed to admit that the country has received good value for the money expended, and that a lot of very difficult work has been well and cheaply performed. But Sir William Fox hit the right nail on the head when he said — " Double my present staff, and let the work be done in one instead of three years." We care not a jot who does the work so long as it is done. It is immaterial to the country whether Captain Skeet or Mr. Humphries has charge of the survey parties ; that is a mere bagatelle. The land needs settling upon, and valuable tracts cannot be allowed to remain in a state of nature, for the only reason that a Minister of Lands and a Royal Commissioner cannot agree as to who should take charge of "Ginx's Baby." Let us have no more foolish squabbling over trivial details, but let the work be done "in one year instead of three" (to quote again Sir William Fox's remarks). The people who have settled at Urenui and at Waitara, at Manaia and at Opunake must be kept faith with. Men who expended large amounts of money in making homesteads for themselvea, men who showed their faith in the promises of Royal Commissioners and Ministers, ought not to be trifled with. They have taken up their abodes at these outsettlements, under the belief that Government would deal honestly and straightforwardly with them. Many have invested the savings of a lifetime in these places, because those in authority told them that the country would be immediately settled. Now, after the Royal Commission has been in existence for two years, and after the patience of the natives has been almost exhausted, we do not appear much nearer to a settlement. This cannot be tolerated very much longer, and those whose duty it is to administer the affairs of the Colony must be told by those who have delegated these important duties to them : " Let us have no more of your donothing policy. If you cannot see your way to do the work, the sooner you make room for others the better. The settlement of the country cannot be retarded merely to suit your whims and caprices." This is the kind of language that must be given expression to at public meetings along the coast. What is needed is a vigorous policy — not petty disputations. We shall return to this subject again and again, until some practical work is done. Taranaki must not be permitted to languish whilst other portions of New Zealand are going ahead with giant strides. We, therefore, hope our members will not return without being able to give positive assurances to their constituents that more surveyors will be appointed, and that the settlement of the country will be vigorously pushed forward.

The Mounted Rifles appeared on parade on Poverty Flat on Monday and Tuesday, and were inspected by Major Stapp. The company looked exceedingly well in their new uniforms, and Major Stapp took occasion to compliment the men on their general efficiency and soldier-like bearing. We are glad to notice that the company has lost none of the esprit de corps which so highly distinguished it during the short und bloodless Parihaka campaign. On that occasion the Hon. Mr. Bryce took a great fancy for the corps, and was pleased to have its escort wherever lie went. The handsome uniform the corps has now donned imparts even a more military appearance, and few corps in the Colony can compare with the Mounted Rifles either in point of efficiency or appearance. The inquest on the late fire will be held to-morrow at the Court-house at 10.30 a.m., before Dr. coroner, when, we understand, a searching examination will be made of the circumstances connected with the destruction of St. Andrew's Church. We are not aware what evidence will be brought forward, but it is to be hoped that a clue will be obtained to sheet homo the charge to the actual perpretators of the deed, for there is little doubt but that it was the work of an incendiary. All persons who can give the police any information that might bo useful in establishing a clue should do so at once, und not allow any false notions of delicacy to prevent them. If such deeds are to be committed with impunity and without fear of punishment, there can be no safety for either the life or property of any person in tho community.