THE Grey River Argus. PUBLISHED DAILY. THURSDAY, APRIL 20, 1871.

Grey River Argus, Volume X, Issue 852, 20 April 1871, Page 2

THE Grey River Argus. PUBLISHED DAILY. THURSDAY, APRIL 20, 1871.

The. visits of Governors and persons in similar positions are not always visits of mere ceremony, nor are the advantages which may foSow them so visionary as some, people think. .The present tour of His Excellency Sir Geo. Bowen, although formal in. one sense, is in a large degree a task, undertaken for the purpose of making a pessonal acquaintance with the various diutricts. of the Colony, their condition and resources. To an observant man like Sir George Bowen his visit to Westland must have had the effect of giving this part of New Zealand a status which it is not supposed to be entitled to by those in authority who have not had the advantage of acquiring personal knowledge of its real condition and the variety and extent of its resources. Sir George Bowen does not travel as a matter of form, but keenly avails himself of every opportunity for criticism or enquiry. We venture to say that already His Excellency is really better acquainted with the resources of the West Coast tliaa many who have lived here for years He has visited the goldfields sufficiently tv estimate the difference between deep and shallow working, and the different conditions under which mining must be carried on in the two cases. He has seen for himself the vast extent of alluvial deposit, which only requires a supply of water to make a source of wealth. He has seen the evidences of public spirit, enterprise, and perseverance which has brought this young field of population up to its present position within a few years. He has seen the necessities which exist for more convenient roads, and for bridges over our dangerous rivers. And last, but not least, he has been able to appreciate that grand resource of this district in respect of its coalfield. The vice-regal visit to the Brunner Mine was in every way profitable. Sir George Bowen has seen for himself, and will doubtless describe to others, the magnificent seam of coal up the Grey river. And a great proportion of the visitors who accompanied him through the mine, also saw it for the first time, and were enabled to judge of its great importance. The knowledge thus obtained in both high and general quarters must be productive of some good, and we have no doubt that any question relating to this valuable public estate will now be regarded with interest from the Governor downwards. It is unfortunate that Sir George Bowen could not spare time to travel further up the river, where he would have witnessed another example of the bounteous favors of Nature to this district, in the spreading arable plains of the Totara and Hickmatua. But His Excellency has made himself acquainted, through enquiry, with tho general character of the district j and the political drawback under which it i Buffers. We are certain that any measure I for placing this district under one Govern- j ment would be heartily approved by the Governor. For these and several reasons

the district may congratulate itself upon His Excellency's visit, and if only his example would be followed by the political heads of the Government, great benefits would arise. Sir George Bowen received a hearty welcome, and he will be as heartily wished God speed when he leaves us. Nor do we think we should be wrong in saying that His Excellency's visit to Westland will have been one of the most pleasurable portions of his tour through this island.