CORRESPONDENCE.

Waikato Times, Volume IV, Issue 221, 9 October 1873, Page 2

CORRESPONDENCE.

To the Editor of the Waikato Times. Sic, — As a frontier settler and owner of property in such settlement, I can scarcely allow the remarks of yonr enquiring correspondent, or your own comments On such enquiry, to pass|unnoticed. With reference to the cost offcleripal staff, «&c, at Cambridge, I would ask that worthy individual if, in the early stages of the Sullivan murder, he is willing to admit that the services of Mr Mackay were cf benefit in giving confidence to settlers ? and When there was imminent danger, 1 think 1 may say, to a man, throughout the Waikato, the cry was that the Government) had for once put the right man in the right place, and that the ixdefatigable exertions of thtt gentleman exceeded the expectations of the most sanguine, and nothing short of th« constant determination and, pluck displayed during that period would have prevented U 3 drifting into a most disastrous war. Many may think that such would have been fer our benefit ; and if it could have been done in a few weeks, and the native lace so, reduced that they could never riie again, undoubtedly if. would be ; but when such, is known to be an impossibility, it behoves us to keep peace on the most advantageous footing possible, which has and is being carried out to the present d ite by the Government Agent. And I imagine that Tawhiiio could tell your enquiring correspondent that his movements are not quite so free and unfettered through the instrumentality of our Government Agent, for he is as well acquainted with the state of affairs as most settlers in the Waiknto, and he is also aware that if another shot were fired by him, that Mr Mackay is in possession of authority lo make an immediate attack on the aggressors, and those that are at all acquainted with the character of that gentleman can leave it safely in his hands. We can be very bold now that immediate danger has passed, and our cry may be what do we want with a Q-overnment Agent, but I appeal to common sense and ask, what has given us a feeling of security but the very fact of having a man at the head of affairs in our midst, and that we have unbounded confidence in him ? , Let him be removed, and one of the small panics that may in many instances occur through the fertile brain of unprincipled individuals, would be the result. I fear, Mr Editor, that they would not be passed by as carelessly as at present, and I think that most of the Waikato settlers who have the advancement of the Waikato at heart will coincide with me, that we may feel thankful that the Government have appointed an Agent for Waikato, and that he may be allowed to remain until a far more permanent peace hns been restored, than it is possible at present to establish. With roference to the coat per chain of clearing roads, &c, by contracc, if the worthy individual is not satisfied with the price that has been paid for such work, let him seek a similar contract from the Q-overnment Agent. He might be able lo sub-let it with advantage. In the little contact I have had with Mr Mackay, I have always found him willing lo give any reasonable information that he was able, and render every possible assistance in any public undertaking. With reference to your own comment on Mr Mackay and his removal, I think, Mr Editor, you are not advancing the interest of the Waikato settlers in seeking to remove a man whoso position and presence affords confidence to settlers generally ; and confidence means advancement, and advancement prosperity to Waikato. Waikato Settlke.