WANGANUI-THE SEPARATION MOVEMENT.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 825, 12 August 1864, Page 5

WANGANUI-THE SEPARATION MOVEMENT.

The Wanganui Chronicle, of the 30th instant, has a long and temperately written leader in favor of Wanganui being constituted a separate Province, or rather for the purpose of shewmjr that Wanganui has not had justice from the Wellington Provincial Government. The same jiurnal also contains a letter entitled "A few reasons why Wanganui should be a separate province," from which we extract the following:—

The great distance from Wellington rendering it impossible to be able to get that share of Local Government which is necessary for the develop ment of her natural resources.

The absolute want of responsible persons on the spot for carrying, on Buch looal improvements, as are imperatively required for hsr advancement. v

The difficulty of obtaining members whose private business will admit of their proceeding^ to such a distance as Wellington, and remaining there during the entire session of Council; consequently, situate as we now are, sending members is a farce.

Were it a Province, it would be more practicable to obtain the whole machinery of Government than it now is to obtain four members to go to Wellington. As roads are of the most vital importance to the prosperity of a country, it is desirable that we should have the full management of such, in this locality, consequently we must separate for the purpose of providing the means wherewith to make new roads and keep the present ones in repair. It is desirable for the purpose of uniting all parties for the improvement of our naturally noble river -a river capable of being made sufficiently navigable for the commerce of the entire district situate between Cape Egmont and Mana;watu.

Wanganui is strictly a pastoral district, and for many year.3 will maintain her position as such, yet, eventually, her position mast gain for her such a share of commerce as perhaps now but few contemplate;: consequently, on these grounds, it is requisite that we become a Province, admin■istering our own affairs.

Aa the pastoral interest of Wanganui cannot be identical with the run-holding.interest of Wellington, it is impossible we can receive that share of attention which will be constantly required for our future development. Wanganui is. destined ere long to become a large exporter of wool and other produce; on this account it is most essential that attention should be turned to the best means of'transit between this port, other ports of the colony, and England. On the subject of wool alone a saving to the district, in the shape of extra freight, to the amount of LIBOO yearly can be effected. Wanganui being situate at the north of the Wellington Province cannot possibly feel bound to support or feel that interest in those commercial schemes, harbor improvements, and great speculations that are constantly called for by the Wellingtoniana, as to justify yielding our revenue and support to the debts such undertakings entail. Wanganui derives no more direct benefit from harbor improvements, patent slips, lighthouses, reclaiming land, &c, in Wellington than other Provinces, consequently cannot afford to spend and be spent for such purposes.