The Wanganui Herald. [PUBLISHED DAILY.] SATURDAY, MAY 19,1877. THE CORPORATION IMMIGRANTS.

Wanganui Herald, Volume XI, Issue 2937, 19 May 1877, Page 2

The Wanganui Herald. [PUBLISHED DAILY.] SATURDAY, MAY 19, 1877. THE CORPORATION IMMIGRANTS.

Wiß;noticeone or two remarkable features of the interview between Mr Halcombe and the immigrants residing at Halcombetown. • The immigrants and their families were brought out under a specific agreement by the Manchester Corporation. They allege that the agreement has been modified to their prejudice, and Mr Halcombe • admits that the letter of it has not been kept ; but urges corresponding advantages, which, however, the new colonists at Halcombetown cannot see. We shall defer our remarks on the merits ,of the dispute until a future occasion ; but we would suggest to the settlers who threaten law against the corporation not to do anything in this matter hastily. They seem to have a good case. ' Mr Halcombe has stated the position fairly, iand we think will assist in getting justice done. But one thing those settlers ,for their own sake must never consent to — that is, to sell their birthright for a mess of pottage ; to accept Mr Halcombe's suggestion to abandon the right of securing their own freeholds for a reduced weekly payment. Let us frankly tell these people that the bargain would prove a ruinous one for them. They . came hero to become the possessors of a 1 share of the soil, of which they ought to be as tenacious as the far-seeing German. It is all very well for the Corporation to try and escape from their agreement in this way : it means degradation to the immigrant, who would exchange his position of a potential freeholder for that of a mere laborer living in a rented cottage. The people must stick- to their land, nor be content with a village freehold, but look to the fortj racre rural sections, so that they may ; ultimately gain a position of independence* for their families. It is highly probable that the Corporation will have to come back to their agreement, and the only true course for the people of Halcombe and Feikling is to — hold on.