OPEN COLUMN.

Wairarapa Standard, Volume I, Issue 31, 5 August 1867, Page 3

OPEN COLUMN.

TELEGRAPH STATIONS, (To the Editor of the Wairarapa Merciiet.) Wairarapa, July 31, 1867. ’ Sib, —My attention has been lately called to a letter which appeared in your issue of the 13th instant, signed “ Wairarapa," supporting a proposition to establish Telegraph offices at Feather* ton and Maatertou and not at Greytown. The letter was evidently written by one actuated only by private motives, and who uses all his power to push the interests of these particular places being a resident or a landowner there. He cannot be a conscientious man, or he must be very narrow-minded, for he asks whether more suitable situations could possibly be selected than Featherston and Masterton. It would be more in accordance with the economical policy of the Government to have only one office of the kind for the present and which should be undoubtedly at the central township in the valley. Mr Wairarapa further writes: —“lt is not likely the inhabitants of Grey town will themselves make much use of the Telegraph. If so, the inhabitants of Featherston and Masterton will not also make much use of it.

The “ Advertiser " was quite correct when it said Greytown is the most populous and central township in the valley, and the best fitted for a telegraph station for the Wairarapa district. The advantages possessed by Greytown above the others are :

Ist. Its central position not only geographically, but as far as population is concerned. 2nd. Its being the most advanced and populous township. 3rd. Any information by telegraph whether public or private can be transmitted to all parts of the valley by the numerous roads which intersect there.

4th. Its advantages in having a newspaper and Printing Office already in operation, and which is situation adjoining the acre on which the Court house is erected and on which the Telegraph offices could also be erected. The fairest way to arrive at a satisfactory conclusion for all parties would be for the Government to appoint some disinterested men to enquire into the matter and give an unbiassed decision as to where the telegraph office or offices should be established.

The Resident Magistrate's Department ought to be stationed at Greytown also, instead of Featherston, which is one extreme end of the District; under the present arrangement great public inconvenience and complaints arise in, having the R. M. stationed at Featherston. The Government should enquire more into what the requirements of a district are before adopting recommendations of their officers, J.P.’s or M.P.’s., who may be actuated by private motives, instead of an interest in the public welfare generally. Your’s truly, A SETTLER, FURIOUS RIDING. (To the Editor of the Waibabapa Meßcuet.) Greytown, July 30,1867. Sib, — Being a stranger here, I was surprised on coming out of the Greytown Wesleyan Chapel on Sunday evening last to find horsemen in full gallop along the public thoroughfare, knocking down everybody and everything in their mad career. The main-road is so narrow, with deep ditches on both sides that it is almost impossible to get cut of the way. This ought to be put a stop to, and I trust that you will direct public attention to it, and especially that of the district constables. Tour’s &c., A Stranger. [Constable Butler, happening to be one of those “everybody and every things” on the occasion referred to, stopt the parties in question, and will no doubt give his unvarnished tale before Mr Wardell, who it is trusted will give them a “ small caution ” as a warning to others.—Ed. W, M.l