REPRESENTATION OF WESTLAND.

West Coast Times, Issue 135, 22 February 1866, Page 2

REPRESENTATION OF WESTLAND.

TO TUB HDITOH OP THE WEST COAST TIMES.

Sin, — You very justly urge the importance of securing tho services in the General Assembly of an efficient representative for the gold-fields, and complain of the absonce of patriotism in cur " leading men." '

You have also by implication given your adhesion to tho scheme of local self-government for the West Coast, propounded by the Canterbury press.

Could the electors do better than return Mr James Edward FitzGerald, to whom tho credit of originating that liberal and generous scheme is justly due? That gentleman is certain of course to sccuro a float in tho Houso of Representatives for an Eastland constituency. But it is not unlikely that ho would gracefully nccopfc tho compliment wo paid him, and as our representative undortako tho task of carrying his own proposal through tho necossary legislative stages. At all ovontV.his return would bo a signal endorsement by tho distriot of his plan of self-governniont, and would onsuro his cordial efforts to givo offcot to it. In tho absonco of local candidates of suffioionfc ambition and sufQoiont qualifications, I question whether Westland electors could more practically serve their own interests.

I am, Sir, N &c, An Emsotob.

Tho French Government, after a long deliboration, has resolvod to pormifc tho publio sale of horsoflesh, subject, to tho samo regulations as ordinary butohors* shops. A special slaughterhouse must, howovor, bo provided. Tho choir of St. Goorgo's Ohuroh at Edinburgh, has been bequeathed 16,000 to L 7,000 by tho late Mr. Inilard, who takes a great interest in its maintenance Tho ox-Lord Chancellor, Lord Westbury has purchased an estate of bohjo 20,000 sores in Tußoany, about twenty roiles from Florweo, whm h« raws' oWtflv U v«rido,.