THE Grey River Argus. THURSDAY, JANUARY 6, 1869.

Grey River Argus, Volume IX, Issue 619, 6 January 1870, Page 2

THE Grey River Argus. THURSDAY, JANUARY 6, 1869.

The County Council meets for the despatch of business on Wednesday next. Although there are several important questions to be raised during the ensuing session, it is probable that the sittings of the Council will not be prolonged more than three weeks or a month. Past experience, we trust, will have shown the members the folly of allowing the importation of questions into their deliberations which do not strictly belong to their functions, and which have hitherto only had the effect of producingprofitless discussions and unduly occupying the time of the Council. Two new members will take their seats this session — Messrs White and Robinson. . Both these gentlemen are comparatively new to political life, but both bear the character of possessing an aptitude for the posts, their constituents have imposed . upon them. The frequent changes in the personnel of the Council during the brief period since the formation of tho County has. not tende-.l to increase the usefulness of the body — not on account of any fault of the new members, but because it is always some time before any member entirely new to politics can shake himself down and take an active part in the proceedings. Since the County was called into existence — now only two years ago — no less than -seven changes have taken place in a body consisting only of nine members. It is to be hoped that the electors will in the future endeavor to secure representatives who are more permanently bound to the place. The arrangement which has been made \vith the Bank of New Zealand for the advance of an additional L 5900 will, we expect, enable tho Council this session to commence business with a clean sheet as to its liabilities, with the exception of the debt due to the Bank, which, however, will have to be provided for at the rato of £840 per month. Until this overdraft io wiped off it will be incumbent on tho Council to be sparing in its expenditure; For another period of aix months the public works mu3t be confined to those of immediate necessity. Speculative works cannot at present be undertaken out of current revenues, and probably it will be some time before the assets of the County become sufficiently elastic to enable the Council to follow much more than a hand-to-mouth policy of expenditure. Of the works of necessity we may mention as amongst the foremost the roads or tracks needed in the now populous district of the New .River. Either the Council must do these works, or it must enable the Road Board of the District to construct them by placing sufficient funds in its hands. The long-promised road from Greymouth to the Coal Pits is a work the construction of which ought not longer to bo delayed, as without it the other roads in the Arnold District are of. very little use. We are given to understaud that au offer will be made, to the Council from a well-known and responsible contractor, to make this ruad on such terms of deferred payment as will probably recommend theni to their acceptance. It is to be hoped that something positive will be done towards bringing a sound and comprehensive system of education into effect throughout the County. This is a matter that oti^lft to receive tho tirst -attention, and 110 tjl< rt should be spared to i.md tho

means. It is disgraceful to the County that with its rapidly increasing juvenile population so little should have bean done for the cause of education. The Land Regulations need a thorough revision-— indeed, the Council ought to set itself to the drawing up the basis of a Waste Lands Act for the County which will help to draw and settle population on tho coast. We shall never have an important and permanent population until the acquisition of land is made easier and cheaper. Now that the choicest parcels of land have been picked out, the remainder oould be placed within easy reach of those willing to become hona fide settlers without any injustice to the vested rights of others. Possibly the Council will consider it desirable to indicate the directions in which the County of Westland Act should be further amended ; but we would earnestly advise the members to avoid as much as possible any further tinkering of the Act. Some of the matters which may appear to need fresh legislation can be settled without having resort to such a process, and others have been unduly magnified into importance. Of course, if the Council will be content with nothing less than an entire alteration in the manner of electing the Chairman, and in the powers and functions of that officer, something must be done next session of the Assembly, as the term of office of the present Chairman expires in 1871. Any recommendations of the Council upon this subject should therefore be adopted at the approaching sittings. One thing we earnestly hope is, that in its discussions the Council will not deviate from the dignity which ought to characterise its deliberations, by indulging in that very personal tone which too often marked its proceedings last session towards its Chairman. Whatever may be the faults or shortcomings of that officer, it should not be forgotten that he is the head of the Council so lo:ig as he holds office.