WAIRERE NOTES.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume XXVIII, Issue 7826, 19 August 1904, Page 2

WAIRERE NOTES.

(From Our Own Correspondent.) Though the weather for this part of the year has been particularly good, with lots of bright sunshine and wind still some of our roads are scarcely fit for wheel traffic and the objurgations of JMk some of our carriers must in consequence be at times very lurid with much to condene the language—even in the eyes of the most austere —if they were but present to witness the troubles of the unfortunate man who has to unload his vehicle in a sea of mud.

Last Monday tbe W.F.C.A. brake was bogged in this vicinity, and this is not an unusual circumstance ; but, how, may we ask, is tbe industry of the country to proceed with roads under these conditions "? What we require from certain members of the House is more road metal and less clap-trap. That "Brussels carpet," which cost __100 and those other luxuries referred to by Captain Baillie in the Council, should be sold, and the proceeds handed over to the Roads Department, or, preferrably, to County Councils. Restitution of public money unwisely spent, as admitted by various members, would in this instance be just and commendable. It is high time our Parliamentary work took a more practical form, suitable to our pressing requirements. Theories of ideal legislation do not give bread—and that is what the working man wants, jgk Money is too lavishly spent in many useless directions. First give the labourclasses in New Zealand plenty of employment, with fair wages, 'prior to granting subsidies to the Cook Islands and monuments erected ten thousand miles away, to receptions, etc. The Government should be just, before being generous. The country districts can take all the surplus funds, if any, which would again return to the Treasury by improved conditions, greater produce and higher values.

Notwithstanding that bricks came down like hail in a thunder-storm during the laic earthquake, we are not aware that any fatal accident occurred, beyond tbe demise of a favourite cat, which was found flattened out.under tho debris of a chimney. That there has been no loss of life is a matter of congratulation, and should have prominence, lest the impression should go abroad that our experiences in that direction (earth shakes) were fraught with danger to life and Jirnb, instead cf being looked upon as pleasurable excitements and as a healthy and condition of our existence, by the working of nature in completing and perfecting the foundations of our Island home.

There was a severe frost on Wednesday moiming, followed by a cold temperature and sunless sky.