QUERY.

West Coast Times, Issue 338, 23 October 1866, Page 3

QUERY.

(to the editor of the west coast times.) Sib, — Would you be kind enough to inform myself and all others residing in Revellstreet north whether the general government of Hokitika remains in the hands of Mr Warden Schaw or is to be entrusted to the care of ouv Municipal Council? My reason for asking for the above information is that Warden Scha-w, a few days since, informed a publican who was applying for license that it would be granted only on conditions that publicans, sinners, ai)d others occupying frontages on . west side qf Revell-street were liable to be removed at a month's notice. Now, MiEditor, if Warden Scl;aw v or any t>ther official in Hokitika, is possessed ©f the despotic power to remove fully one-fourth of the business people of this town from the sites they occupy the sooner that power is taken out' of his hands the better. . Apart from the large revenue the Government derive from business and publicans' licenses, it would be a very great "hardship and injustice to industrious tradesmen, most of whom are struggling to make comfortable homes for their families. Compulsory removal to them would be quite as unwelcome a visitor as a fire, either of which evils would prove disasterous to many who are now thriving tradesmen. In conclusion, I hope the Municipal Council will inform us whether we are to be victims of an eccentric Government, treated to sum-

Mary ejectment like the peasantry of Ireland or the highlanders of Scotland, or if we are to be permitted to form pai't and parcel of the capital of the West Coast. I am, &c, Citizen.