Page 3 Advertisements Column 2

Westport Times, Volume III, Issue 477, 13 March 1869, Page 3

REQUISITION. TO DAVID MITCHELL LUCKIE, ESQ., NELSON. SIR, —"We, the undersigned Electors in the Electoral District of Buller, feeling the necessity of returning an educated and energetic Representative to the Provincial Council, to carefully watch and strive 1 o advance the interests of this district, and knowing that your views in many respects coincide with those of the majority of the electors here, in reference to the mal-administration of the revenue of the Province, and the injustice done to the goldfields; respectfully beg to request that you will allow yourself to be put in nomination for the seat now vacant in the Provincial Council, caused by the resignation of Mr Bentley. "Waiting your reply, we are, Sir, your most obedient servants, J. W. Humphrey Thomas Field E. C. Eeid E. J. O'Conor James Simpson 31. Bowland J. Southern C. T. Criswick James Milne Win. J. Patterson Alex. Stitt Eobert Alcorn James M'Farland Walter Bishop Job L. Munson H. Neil Edward Bruce J. S. Fleming Whyte and Pirie Timothy Sheahaa D. Emanuel Samuel Gilmer Westport, Feb. 26, 1809.

To Messrs J. "W". HUMPHREY, THOMAS FIELD, and the uther Requisitionists. ENTLEMEN,—I thank you for \J( the compliment contained in your request that I should become a candidate for the office, of Representative of Westport District in the Provincial Council. I willingly place myself at your service under certain conditions which, I think, will meet your views. I am aware that the people of "Westport would prefer, aud properly so, " a local man" as their representative. The demands of business, however, prevent many suitable persons from undertaking a duty which necessitates absence for some considerable portion of the year, and hence the difficulty of obtaining a candidate from among that class. If, prior to the nomination, a candidate from your own quarter, possessing your confidence, should be induced to come forward, I shall cheerfully retire in his favor. Should you fail in this, and if it is the general wish of the electors that I should represent them, I shall readily accept the office, and, during the approaching session—the last before a general election—shall do what lies in my power for the advancement of the West Coast. My engagements, I fear, will not permit me to visit "Westport to meet the electors and exchange opinions with them ; but I believe, as your address itself indicates, that my views are tolerably well known, and in most instances are in concord with your own. On one or two points I may say a few words here. Respecting the question of Separation, ond the creation of a new county, that is bejond the business of the Provincial Council, inasmuch as it lies entirely in the hands of the Colonial Parliament. Nevertheless, if elected, T should endeavor, if possible, to render Separation unnecessary by advocating ia the Council just dealings towards Westport and the other "West Coast districts of the Province, and the outlay of the large proportion of their revenues for the improvement and permanent benefit of these districts. I consider that justice to all parts is essential to provincial prosperity, and, therefore, I should do what I could to prevent the Province becoming a minor centralism to the neglect of outlying localities. Much money has been lost on the West Coast, both on roads and on other public works, because of a somewhat hasty—not to say ill-judged—-expenditure, and the absence of sound plans fitted for the physical conditions of the locality. Insisting on the responsibility of the Provincial Government, as well as of its employees, for such failures, seems a salutary method for preventing their recurrence; and that course I should like to see followed in the Council.

For the mining districts improved roads are essential to the success of the miners, and to the progress of the towns which their labor supports I should advocate liberal votes for these objects. On the whole I should support a wise economy throughout the Province, and endeavor to act so as to secure, for the public, money's worth for all public moneys expended. With these explanations, I repeat that if you find no more suitable person, I shall be happy to serve as your representative in the ensuing session of the Council. Perhaps by the end of the year a local representative may be found; but meanwhile I can promise that, if elected, I shall do the best I can for the interests of the Buller and of the Province at large. I am,' Q-entlemen, Tour obedient servant, D. M. LT7CKIE. Nelson, March 9,1869.