The Westport Times. SATURDAY, JUNE 11, 1870.

Westport Times, Volume IV, Issue 670, 11 June 1870, Page 2

The Westport Times. SATURDAY, JUNE 11, 1870.

The writ for the election of a member to serve in the General Assembly, for the district of West-land North, is expected to arrive by first steamer from Nelson, and it is just possible that at the same time some intimation may be received from the different gentlemen, who have been requested to come forward as candidates, as to whether they propose placing themselves in nomination. We have no definite information on that head, but it is the general impression that neither Mr Donne nor Mr O'Conor purpose contesting the seat, and at present there is every appearance that Mr Eynnersley will be returned without opposition. On reading that gentleman's address we find an expression of opinion on many malters which will, we believe, meet the approval of the majority of the electors. We have previously referred to the necessity of returning, as a representative to the General Assembly, one who should be completely disembarrassed of all Provincial tendencies, and in this respect Mr Kynnersley appears to fulfil the necessary requirement. He is prepared to advocate the abolition of the present Provincial form of Government and replace it by an .extended system of local self-government, allotting to each district a certain proportion of the revenue contributed by it.

It is in fact the introduction of a system analogous to the present, but less cumbersome aud expensive, and constituted in a manner that will preclude the possibility of repeating any of the grave errors of the Provincial system, numbly, the diversion of revenues by ah alien aud distant body to purposes, in which the people haven©immediate interest, and to the exclusion of untertakings most essential to their advancement and prosperity. Mr Kynnecs'ey expresses himself in favor of encouraging any well developed scheme which would supply large auriferous areas with water, and be likely to prove reproductive. This is also a matter so vitally affecting the interests of the South-West Goldfields, and so great is the extent of auriferous country, capable of being rendered remuneratively available for mining purposes, provided that water could be constantly and abundantly furnished, that we know of no subject in connection with the goldfields more worthy of the attention of the Legislature. Mr Kynnersley would also favor the introduction of some measure more clearly and satisfactorily defining the respective rights of holders of miners' rights, and holders of agricultural and depasturing licenses, as also other leaseholders. He also fully recognises the claims of Westland -North to increased representation in the Assembly, and is prepared to assert that claim. The above-named subjects are those alone, referred to in the address, having a special local significance The views expressed upon the conduct of Nativo Affairs by the Fox Ministry are borne out by the result of their administration. Whether or not Mr Fox has handled the question more skilfully than Mr Stafford, or whether the chief difficulty in connection with the Maori rebellion had been already surmounted when Mr Fox took the reins, it is very certain that the latter has been at least more fortunate in bringing matters to a favorable issue. If the neck of the outbreak and disaffection was broken when the present Ministry assumed office, and the way smoothed towards extricating the Colony from the horrors of an internal war, and from serious financial embarrassment, and such it is contended was the true aspect of affairs when Mr Fox came into power, it is not to. be expected that his supporters would underrate the measure of his success, by a free admission of the facts; nor is it competent for his political opponents to contend that the like result would not have been obtained, had the present administration throughout had the handling of the rebellion. However much, therefore, Mr Kynnersley might be opposed to the present Government in respect to the Provincial affairs would not at preseht~otter~ any ground for his not supporting them. Looking at the address from a general point of view, it must, we repeat, meet the approbation of the great body of the electors. Mr Kynnersley's intimate connection with these" goldfields, a connection every way creditable and honorable to himself, also strongly recommends him as a suitable and desirable person to represent this district, and we scarcely think that the qualification of any candidate, likely to come forward, will be found to have a superior claim upon the electors.