THE WEST COAST.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 6089, 28 January 1898, Page 1

THE WEST COAST.

[COBBBSPOKDEKT "CANTERBURY TIMES."] 1/ GREYMOUTH, Jan. 24. 1 THE PREMIER. For over a fortnight we have had the Premier all to ourselves, and West-Coast-like, have interviewed him upon almost' every conceivable subject. We haveasked him for small concessions — and large ones. But he would not be charmed into giving promises. He listened patiently to all, and when the fountains of our persuasion and arguments were exhausted, promised to lay the various subjects before the different departments to which they belong. Only this and nothing more could be obtained. And deputation after deputation left, firmly convinced that "Our Dick" [ was becoming a deal more cautious than of old. | If we pestered the Premier to our heart'? desire by deputations, we also attempted to do him honour at the banqueting table. Here, at all events, "we were a' John Tampson's bairns." And, I am bound to say that the Premier cast ai,ide his " official self," and, like a typical Coaster enjoyed himself well. When Mr .Seddon arrived on the Coast he had a wearied and tired out appearance, but a few days had a marvellous effect, and when he leaves for Christchurch, this day week, his health will be very much better than when he arrived in our midst. I see some of the newspapers have been asserting that the reception he received was not of the most cordial nature ; that, in point of fact, his popularity is on the wane. This, however, has no foundation to rest upon. He everywhere received an enthusiastic reception. There are a few who do' not believe in'' his Government, but it is no exaggeration to say that ninetenths of the West Coast people would plump straight for him against anyone. The Premier is, perhaps, more popular to-day on the West Coast than ever. Regarding the Old Age Pensions scheme, the Premier blamed the House of Representatives more than the Council for the defeat of the Bill. He said: "It would be well if a few constituencies would round up their members and make them vote straight upon the question, and then the Lords would be more guarded in opposing the wish of the people." The measure would be re-introduced next session, and, he hoped, with better results. The half-despondent manner in which the Premier hoped for a better result next session did not carry conviction that he himself was very confident of the measure being passod. Dealing with the action of the Upper House in the matter, Mr Seddon said the wish of the people must not be thwarted, and means must be taken to prevent similar occurrences, adding, with emphasis. " Of course I mean constitutional means." This was repeated several times, and it is generally believed that what the Government proposes is the calling of a few additional members to the Legislative Council This, at all events, is not in accord with West Coast politics, which most decidedly favour an elective Upper House. In regard to a Local Government Bill I feel quite sure that no further efforts will be made to get a measure through for the colony, for, as the Premier stated, the " wealthy parts of the colony do not desire a change, and he fears there would be no chance of getting such a measure through. He, however, is very pronounced, about a reform for the West Coast, and hinted that such a Bill would be forthcoming next session. "When it is passed into law, and had a fair trial," he added, " I doubt not that other parts of the colony will gladly adopt the measure." Evidently, therefore, the Coast is to be made the experimenting ground for the new Local Government Bill. TIMBER AND COAL. Our timber output for last year — that is, exported at Greymoi'th — amounted to 10,552,000 ft, of which Lyttelton took 6,770,000 ft. The value of this in the ship's hold is .£37,500, of which sum .£30,000 is represented by wages. The coal export for the same period was 132,000 tons, valued at .£66,000. As affording an indication that trade is improving, I find that the imports at Greymouth last year exceeded the preceding term by ,£12,000. Of shipping at the port of Greymouth, we had 544 steamers and 34 sailing vessels arrive in harbour. j MINE LEASE HONOPOI.T. There is a good deal of grumbling with regard to the manner in which the Paparoas are being locked up by speculators, who, after tatting v\p lavge areas of land, sit idly by waiting for their neighbours to develop a reef, when they come in and demand fabulous prices for their land. The system is retarding the mining industry, and the Premier has been approached upon the subject. •MINING. ' Another mining venture has been floated in Christchurch. This is the Callin ! Sluicing Company, formed for taking I the head waters of the Ten-Mile, which, when brought in, will command a large tract of auriferous ground on both banks. That ill-fated bridge across the Grey River, for the Poiut Elizabeth Coal Company, was just on the point of completion when down came another flood, and the water-way being blocked by the staging and debris, the last pier was swept away. I fear it will be at least four months ere the structure is now completed, as new piles have to be imported.

Oddfellowship.— The fortnightly meeting of the Loyal Volunteer Lodge was held on Wednesday night in the Druids' Hall, Sydenhatn. There was a good attendance of members, and a large amount of business was got through, including the auditors' report, and balance-sheet for the year ending December, 1807. One candidate was proposed for membership. Tho receipts for the evening amounted to JJZO. I