IMPROVEMENT COMMITTER

Westport Times, Volume II, Issue 307, 25 July 1868, Page 7

IMPROVEMENT COMMITTER

It is almost hopeless, after the recent reasonable decision of the public of "Westport in reference to municipal institutions, to expect greater reason in -connection with any other subject of the same kind. The Charleston people however, have shown our slow going people an example, and probably now it may not be quite a vain task to suggest the establishment of a Progress Committee. About a week ago we hinted

at the advisability of some such institution, but we might just as well have whistled jigs to milestones, as have attempted a suggestion to the inhabitants of Westport with the slightest expectation of its being acted on, excepting under extraordinary pressure. At the meeting, in reference to municipal matters, the-arguments were that Westport Was not ripe enough for them, that the residents could not afford to be taxed, that; favouritism would be created, and that; appointments of a lucrative character; had already been filled up ; other equally wise, and just as well grounded objections were urged,' and the muni- ■ cipality fell to the ground, though be- ' fore a year is out we venture to say that many of the opponents on that occasion will regret the action they then took. Just for- argument's sake we will admit all that those hostile to the municipality then urged, to the fullest extent, but can the same sapient authorities have anything to urge against the establishment of a Progress Committee. The residents then would not need to pay rates, and the poverty plea could not apply, the offices would be honorary, so that no large salaries could accrue, the town if not ripe for rate collecting is surely old eneugh to take some interest in its own affairs, and altogether we think that the antagonists of the municipality can scarcely urge one single objection to a committee of the kind. It may reasonably be asked what would be their utility, and what benefit would arise from the constitution of a really illegal body ? Such an enquiry at the first blush is perfectly reasonable, though at the same time one moment's reflection would we imagine, supply abundant reasons. In the first place we may say that such an institution, though in itself universally recognised by all Governments, though possessing no legal status, have this advantage that their suggestions on any point of public importance are listened to and acknowledged. They been in New Zealand the forerunners of Municipal institutions and in no single instance have they been established, but their action has been attended with the best results. We will just for example, lay down a few matters that such a body might at once, and with the best effect give their attention to, though these are but trifling items in what would be coming before them. We will commence with the back streets of Westport. Money has already been voted for them some months past, and not a sixpence has been laid out. A Progress, or Improvement, or Town or any other committee could at least ascertain the reason of: delay, and learn when the expenditure : was probable. Apropos of the title we think we think a Town or District Committee would be the most suitable, but that of course must rest with the taste of the inhabitants. Another important matter that the Committee would have to deal with, would be the Buller bank preservation. At present the farcical protection proposed i s ridiculously insufficient. The earth falls in, the banks are ? early eaten away, the river is encroaching to that degree that a very large amount of property is in imminent danger, and yet we are dependent for our safety from what is threatened, on those who are either incapable or unwilling to aid. Take another public work, the Caledonian track and sayif thatisnotanothermatter that calls for the closest enquiry. We do not say that the work has been " scamped," neither do we know that three inches of gravel have been put where nine should be, nor that sand has been laid on instead of gravel, nor that in the absence of both, nature has been permitted to form her own highway, but this we do know that hints to that effect have been thrown out, and if a committee of the kind referred to had been in existence, a supervising power would have probably prevented the promulgation of such truths or slanders as the case may be. A track to the Lyell wants completion, an apportionment of money for tracks in the district waits for application, a host of other things would come within the province of such a committee, and as it would really cost nothing, surely the most inveterate skinflints of the town cannot object to have their interests conserved at such a price. The form of election and the qualification of voters is simple, the possession of a tenement or of a business license, giving a right to vote; the advantages derivable are immense, and we do hope that, pending the municipality, we may at least elect some public body to represent our interests. If we do not, Charleston will deservedly take the leading position on the Coast, and Westport the dull, will fall into a second rate place. Let us hope that some of the business men of the town

will take the subject up without delay. The proposition only needs to be properly put forward, and it will be carried into effect without delay.