The Westport Times AND CHARLESTON ARGUS. MONDAY, OCTOBER 26, 1868.

Westport Times, Volume III, Issue 386, 26 October 1868, Page 2

The Westport Times AND CHARLESTON ARGUS. MONDAY, OCTOBER 26, 1868.

Without doubt the mission on which the Progress Committee have sent their chairman, is likely to be an important event in Westport history, for by it, the feeling of the Nelson authorities will be severely and critically tested, and the attachment of the South-west goldfields, to the Nelson province must materially depend. Not very long ago, it was fashionable in Nelson to assume indifference in relation to the goldfields, and to profess that these districts were in fact a greater expense and trouble than profit. A separation at that time would, if we can believe the utterances of some of their public speakers, have rather been regarded as a relief than otherwise, and the tie that bound the two sides of the province together, was thought, rather an irksome one to the quiet city. Diggers even on visting that locality, were looked upon with undisguised dread, and the golden era generally was hailed with anything but satisfaction. Thanks however to the inexorable logic of facts, the Nelson authorities and the Nelson people, have discovered that the goldfields are an unmitigated benefit to them, that by their means, an ever open market is offered for their produce, that substantial wealth flows from this source, and that after, all we are neither as troublesome or expensive, as represented. At the same time whilst they are unable to dispute the advantages they gain from the gold discovery, they are by no means as ready to do what is necessary to develop them. Owing chiefly to a fortunate selection in a Comtnisisoner in the early days, the goldfields of the district, were fostered to a far greater extent than appears likely to be the case now, if we may judge by recent arrangements and the very scant courtesy that has of late been extended to us. All public works have been suspended without notice, and without explanation ; some thousand pounds have been swept away in river protection without any enquiry or care on the part of the Government; the bank is crumbling day by day without the slightest notice being taken, and if half the town is destroyed, we may look for no greater sympathy or attention. Now when we really were a care, when the outlay on the district was greater than the income, it would have been only reasonable to rest and be thankful for what we could get, but under our very altered condition, we may reasonably look for different treatment. The few, but valuable statistics procured recently by the Progress Committee, show that for the half year ending September last, the bona fide South- West Groldfields revenue was no less than £ll,Blß, or very close on £12,000, and of this nearly £-1000 was gathered in Westport alone, This was exclusive of £7OO derived from Court fees of one kind and another, neither did it inclnde, Customs' duties, gold duty, or other income in connection with the general revenue. During that time the gross Customs' duties amounted to £13,015, and the gold duty to .£8896, in round numbers we may say near ] y £22,000. This, it must be remembered is only half a year's income, and in the face of such facts, to pretend that the goldfields are other than a rich milch cow, would be absurd. One of the members of the Committee enquired if auy record of the expenditure had been kept, but none could be produced. At the same time it is certain that it has not by any means approached the income, and this brings us back to the importance of the late deputation and its objects. It is very unlikely that we can look calmly on and watch the town washed away; it is equally true that the Superintendent cannot furnish funds to avert the danger out of an empty exchequer; but it is at the same time

imperative that he Bhould take some measures to this end, and that to do so the Provincial Council should he called together. If he decliues to take this course, if he considers that the destruction of the most valuable part of a valuable centre of population is a matter too trivial for a call of the Council, —if, in fact, he and his Executive refer our petition and our delegate back to our,elves, —then it will become a grave question what course we shall adopt. As political affairs staud at present, there would be no hope of our being constituted a County, as Mr Stafford's policy in relation to such institutions of local self-government has been virtually defeated, and, at least temporarily, abandoned. A municipality, whilst conferring a great deal of power, would hardly suffice te meet the difficulty, and the enigma then arises as to what course we shall adopt. It is very clear that in case of our best interests being uncared for or neglected, we must look after ourselves, but how to do it just now is a problem hard to solve. We trust that the Goldfields will not be called on to a solution, but at least we may be preparing for the worst, and turning the matter over in our minds. Should this occur, a bold and independent policy must be pursued ; but till the occasion actually arises, we do not care about more than hinting at it. If the need come, we shall be prepared to submit propositions for a course of action that will, we believe, result in the Groldfields obtaining right and justice. In the meantime we anxiously wait the result of the petition's prayer.