THE Grey River Argus. TUESDAY, APRIL 16, 1867.

Grey River Argus, Volume III, Issue 196, 16 April 1867, Page 2

THE Grey River Argus. TUESDAY, APRIL 16, 1867.

"Whether the present rush to the Nelson gold fiplds is really warranted by the nature of the recent discovei'ios in the adjoining province, pi 1 is only another of the spasmodic movements which are so characteristic of a nomadic gold seeking population, it is quite certiin that it' has assumed proportions which cannot be regarded with composure by those whose interests depend on the successful development pf the gold fields of Canterbury. Every steamer that leaves Hokitika or Qrcymouth for tlie northern gold fields is loaded with passengers, and although this outward tide lias continued now fp.v spine time, there is as yet little sign of its turningback again. Every gold mining district in this province is feeling the loss of population, and some of our bpst diggint.s are being-— temporarily at leasW rapidly deserted for the attractions of the Buller and Pakihi. As yet the storekeepers who depend directly on the miners have most seriously felt the effects of this push, although naturally every branch, of business is suffering more or less. The wholesale traders for the present find a compensation for the loss of their home business in the temporary demand which they have to sup] >ly elsewhere. But should any tin ng like a large proportion of the population now floating abputthe Buller and neighboring districts beoo.m.o settled, the trade now being carried on by tlie merchants of Hokitika and Greymouth will be seriously diminished if not entirely terminated. The Buller as a ] orb is per liaps superior to any on the "West Coast, and it may be taken for granted that as soon as the business of the district assumes proportions sufficient to support direct cpnymercial relations with the great Australian markets, they are sure to be established. Our foregoing remarks, do not certainly hold out a very consoling prospect to those, whose interests are identified with the Canterbury gold fields, but it is sometimes wise to look boldly at the dark side of things, and to consider exactly the circumstances of one's position, and this is just one of those occasions when it is necessary as well as wise to consider all the probabilities and possibilities of the. situation. We have already adverted to the diain of population that is going on, and we have indicated what may be its results should it continue. It is now our duty to endeavor to analyse the causes which have led to this sudden migration ; and to discover how its effects may be alleviated — and above all if it is possible to re-attract the t ; de of life to our own borders. In estimating the causes of the present de-population of the Canterbury gold fields, avc must not forget that it is at all times impossible to restrain the impulses of a class of men to many of whom, every new field offers irresistible attractions, excepting by affording them if possible substantial inducements to remain. Where gold is to be got, there nuii will rush to obtain it, and if gold is to be procured in greater profusion or under easier eoitjj ditidns iii one place than in another, these attractions will be paramount. The question we have to consider is — do the Kelson gold fields afford greater legitimate inducements than those of this province, and if so in what does their superiority consist 1 ? As far as the authenticated discoveries iii each province enable us to judge, the balance of evidence is in favor of the gold, fields of this province, which are more extensive, more generally productive, and in many respects have a greater capacity for sustaining a large population. Perhaps the nature of the country in some of the gold mining districts in Nelson is less difficult thau that of most, if not all, the Canterbury gold fields, and this nahirally tends to afford greater encouragement to prospectors. But we have no hesitation in saying that taking the most favorable view of tho Nelson diggings they arc not, simply regarded as diggings, one whit superior to those of this province. But 'how is it that with the miners themselves — and they should be good ji}dges(— there is such a decided preference fof the Nelson gold fields 1 for go where^you will, you find an almost uiiauimotfa desire on the part ; of the /lingers to trlusfe" 3^®^'^;!.^ to the adiojmng m^jncq^^fei&vc

of this, by drawing a comparison between the administration of the respective Provincial Governments, and it is here we believe where one powerful influence is to be found. In form of government and taxation there is no difference. In eacli prpyince the miner lives under the sainelav, pays the same tribute and enjoys the same extent of individual liberty and protection. But there the parallel ceases. In all that constitutes goqd management and tends to promote the development of the cquntry and, encourage the Jabprs of the miners, the one province is immeasurably above the other. Whilst the Canterbury Government talks the loudest, makes £he greatest promises, and indulges iri tlie most brilliant schemes, the Nelson authorities act. Our neighbors have (jujotly and unobtrusively pursued a liberal and far-rSeeing policy, and may with just pride take to themselves tlie credit of their present popularity amongst the mining population. They have not thought it uecpssary to appoint Special Commissions to poiut out their duty, but have steadily followed the plain course which, an intelligent appreciation pf the necessities of a new country showed them to be tlie only one that could ensure success. They have take?! care to place in olftcial positions of responsibility men upon whose judgment they could with confidence rely, and both Government and Legislature have been unanimous in prosecuting the great work of opening up, the country. ' If we turn to our own province a very different picture is to be fouud. And although tlie chief responsibility pf past mis-government rests on the heads of a byegone Administration, we have the no less discouraging fact that nearly another twelvemonth has passed without any material or practical change. Hitherto the present Government has signalised itself chiefly by having been enable to fix upon a definite policy, aud by delaying tlie real work it has to perform. The country remains unopened ; every district is crying out for necessary requirements — and whilst tlie Government is considering, and waiting for the blue book of tlie famous Commission, the population is leaving. A splendid revenue lias been squandered on visionary experiments and costly departments, and now with a diminishing income the grand work of developing the country remains to be done. Perhaps all this is to.be mended. Perhaps the Government will ultimately scewlieie its proper course lies — but if the delay and indecision remain much longer, the ■opportunity will be lost, and the future fate of Westland will be uncertain and fluctuating, instead of as it might have been made prosperous and brilliant.