ANNEXATION OF WESTLAND.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 2679, 7 September 1870, Page 3

ANNEXATION OF WESTLAND.

The following telegrams between Mr Hawkins, of Hokitika, and Mr Macandrew, were read at the recent annexation meeting in Hokitika. Hawkins to Macandrew. August IS.—Westland and Otago Annexation League wish an expression of opinion by Otago members as to proposed annexation—are you favourable ? Macandrew to Hawkins. Otago Government favourable. lam quite prepared to entertain the question, and enter into negotiations. Hawkins to Macandrew. Referring to yours of the 18th—Will Otago consent that adequate representation in the Provincial Council be the basis of the negotiation for annexation to Westland—say, that Hokitika shall have as many represen- ■ fcatives in proportion, to ita population as Dunedin returns, and for goldfields as many members in proportion to its population as the goldfields in Otago have. Principle of nomination of Chairman, execrated ; and if the answer to this is favourable, a strong petition will follow for annexation. Public meeting on Tuesday. From Macandrew to Hawkins. Proposed basis representation on Provincial Council quite fair, and I believe would not he objected to if question for consideration. West]and debt need not, I think, be an insuperable barrier to union. lam persuaded union would be mutually beneficial, if wisely administered. Of course nothing definite could be done without the Otago : Provincial Council. I can only say for myself I shall do my best to effect union upon a reasonable basis. To save time, a Permissive Act might be passed this session, in which case'no time would be lost. To Macandrew from Hawkins. Would Otago spend money in public works, besides Wes (land's share, to open up country, and how much ? Westland requires Resident Government Agent appointed, and to be member of Executive. Westland's share of construe:ion of overland road should be taken over by General Government What are your views ? If satisfactory, introduce purely Permissive Bill at once. Petition in support within wesk. From Macandrew to Hawkins. Otago would treat Westland in every respect tho same as any other portion of province, by expending proportion revenue on public works, Bchoois. police, harbours, &c, &c. Goldfields wouli be administered as in Otago, where mining boards can be established, if miners so desire, and where j in mining matters Wardens act as Govern- j ment agents; in other matters police and i mining survey departments act as agents. If Permissive Bill introduced, it should be by General Government, at instigation of people of Weatland,