Sir,—With your permission I would like to criticise ths opinions expressed by the Hon. G. F. Kichardson, at Wyndhani, on the subject of arrears owing by settlers. The hon. gentleman attributes the increase of arrears to a twofold cause; the introduction of the Pair Rent and Price of Land Bill, aud the promise made by Sir : Harry Atkinson that extreme measures would not be taken againßt settlers for overdue rents. Judging fromthe tone of the hou. gentleman's remarks I feel certain that settlers in distress owe nothing to Mr Richardson for any con sideration which may have been shown to them by the present Government. Mr Richardson's argument that now because prices of produce are at a paying figure there is no further excuse for arrears is simply nonsense. Farming under favourable circumstances is a moderately profit able business, but the individual who sup poses that one good season is going to make up all the losses of seven bad ones is too san guine, more especially when it is admitted that farmers are paying 25 per cent, more than the value of their land in many cases, and in a few, much more. It seems that the Government, as represented by Mr Richardson, have decided to invoke the terrors of the law and compel pay ment of moneys duo; those who pay up quickly are to be let off with a reduction, but to thoso who either can't or wont pay, there is to be no mercy shown. They are to be sued for the whole amount of their arrears, failing the pay ment, of which, I suppose, their leases will be cancelled. Such is the policy of the Government m regard to their tenants who are behind with their payments, as propounded by the Minister oi Liands. How much more reasonable it would be to ascertain by means of the courts estab lished under a Fair Rent Bill, the exact position of _each tenant, when those who are in a position to pay could be made to do so, while those who require relief might receive it by means ot which they might hecome prosper ous settlers and an assistance to the whole com munity. 