CHARLESTON ARGUS. SATURDAY, APRIL 27, 1867.

Charleston Argus, Volume 1, Issue 13, 27 April 1867, Page 2

CHARLESTON ARGUS. SATURDAY, APRIL 27, 1867.

It is too generally found that in busy mining districts people jus a rule are too intent on their own immediate concerns to attend to the business of the public, and at the first bludi it only serins reasonable that such should be the case. The consequence is, that, instead of the goldtields being represented by men who really have u stake and weight in the various districts, others who have no interest beyond a selfish one are set forward. There cannot be a doubt that every one competent is fairly entitled to render a certain amount of public service when called on, and if a little more willingness were exhibited in this respect, fewer causes of complaint would unquestionably arise. In the forthcoming election, this disinclination will, we venture to say, be conspicuously maui- : fested, but oa that head we shall have more to say on a future occasion. The subject that we would more specially call attention to at present is the necessity that exists for forming, with jut delay, an Improvement Committee in Charleston, and for the chief business men to take a leading part, not only in its composition, but in its foundation. There is a mistaken idea I prevalent that the only use of an Improvement Committee is to make roads, ic, and thereby necessarily tax the public; but this, though a material, is only a small portion of the duties that devolve on a body of this kind. As Charleston is at present constituted, it is, of course, out of the question to dream of establishing a municipality, however desirable such civic institutions may be, and the next best substitute that is practicable is unquestionably a Committee of the above kind. In all cases, they are recognised as representing the public, and are listened to with respect and attention, iu case of reasonable complaint being inade in connection with any public matter. So far from their duties being confined to mere public works, they extend to every question in which, or by which, the best interests of the locality are affe-.ted. Such Committees stand as it were between the Government and the public, and many places have already reaped the reward of their unpaid services. Look at the streets of tlokitika for 1 example ; what were they but a network of bogs and pitfalls till the Improvement Committee were elected, and made good, firm streets for traffic to pass over. The advantages derivable from this body's exertions, can only be really appreciated by the involuntary mudlarks who floundered through the streets prior to formation. As to taxation in connection with them, it must be remembered that it is only voluntary, and that no one is compelled to contribute to any work thought necessary, excepting by his own consent; then he only pays at the outside one-half of the ex> penditure to improve his own property and own business, for the Government in ever j case have given as much to this end as has beeu raised by private subscription, and surely no one would hesitate to give his share on such terms. On the Pakihi, however, it is scarcely likely that any contributions wold be required, beyond the trifling outlay needed to carry on the business ; but the Committee would have many great questions, all important to thf advancement of the district, to discuss and decide on ; and if an active and intelligent set of men will only take local affairs ink 1 their keeping, they will advantage bott themselves and the residents on the Pakihi Why should Charleston not have such t body as well as Brighton. It only want* some one to start—the work would speedilj be done, and the good effects would quid: 1) follow. Let us hope that there is public spirit here sufficient to get it afloat, auc that it will be manifested without loss o time.