THE MARCH OF CIVILIZATION.

Western Star, Issue 99, 2 October 1875, Page 6

THE MARCH OF CIVILIZATION.

£Q, T 33 EDITOR.. SIE, —Like all tne curious people, I have ma-.le a trip to Gore. From Inveraargill to Woodlands the country is lying in a state of waste very little cultivation —and the main cause is. that the toil is not up to the mark; good body of soil, but wants time to give it action. But there is another matter which causes a great drag, njunely, the people are taxed by valuation, instead of by the acre, which makes people afraid to make any Improvements.. From Woodlands to Gore the country is held entirely by the New Zealand Company and G. M. Bell, Esq, The Company have spent a great deal of. mpney in improvements, and great credit is due to them for the manner m which the improvements have been effected. Bell seems to have, done notiling; but like all wise men, is acting the part of a IftP ■ -shark to make fihe mpst of it. The eounMy is lost for the want of settlers ; but there is one thing I nptice, the land has been enhanced very much in value by the railway—or, iu other words, by the borrowed money—and it stand? to,reason, if it ip the land that has been enhanced, ip value by the pubhc loans, they should pay the interest and sinking fund. Some sav that the- Company apd G. M. Bell were wrong ip.bnying these lands. I don t think so, as it has been a very good spec, and they can now sell out at a good profit if a tax is put upon these lands, which must coins to, pass ; and when it does comp tire country will get settlpd which means prosperity. Gore is in a nipe position to make a thriving township. The country being rich in land, all that is wanted is legislation, end it is to be hoped that the electors will bo alive to.their interests, and send men to the Assembly who will make laws to suit the country. In Gore there arc two hotels. One lately built by Mr Green (who formerly kept a house between Gore and Switzer’s), ip both commodious and comfortable.—l am, &c. f John Gsahaji. Sept, 27, 1875.