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Grey River Argus, Volume X, Issue 868, 9 May 1871, Page 2

Ox the return of the Hon. Mr Sewell to Hokitika from Greymoutlihe was " interviewed" by 'a deputation "of the people of Westland," who could not allow him to depart without ascertaining the opinions he had formed upon various matters connected with the County. The result was that they obtained very satisfactory answers, and if Mr Sewell has the power or influence to carry out one-half of what he has promised his visit will result in much good to Westland, and will, no doubt, assist in removing from head-quarters at Wellington much of that official ignorance which has so long existed with respect to the County, its people, and their most urgent requirements. It is much to be regretted that Mr Sewell's visit to the Grey District .was limited to Grey month, and that he did not proceed as far as the Coal Mines, in orderto make himself accmainted

with the vast resources cf wealth which are lying idle waiting for development. But short as his stay was, he appears to have made up his mind that the present boundary-line between Nelson and Westland is unsatisfactory, and ought to be abolished. The report of the interview as given by the West Coast Times states that "In reply to the deputation with respect to placing the whole of the Grey Valley under one Government, from the Razorback south to the Otago boundary (?) Mr Sewell said that he had formed his opinion on two points, viz., that the present line of division between the Nelson oncl Westland portions of the Grey district should bo got rid of, aud should not remain as at present, and that it should not be fixed at the Teremakau. He could not undertake decisive action in the matter, nor could he offer any decided opinion as to how the alteration should be made, but stated the Government would take steps to inquire into the matter, and determine as to how the alteration of the district should be made." Of course, it was impossible for Mr Sewell to say what the Government would do under the circumstances, especially in the form in which the question was put to him, which simply meant the annexation to Westland of the most valuable portion of the Nelson SoutbWest Gold Fields, which, we imagine, would be as strongly protested against by the Nelson Government as the present Annexation movement is by the Press of Hokitika. There were several other important subjects touched upon, and in reply to the question as to the construction of a railway between the Grey coal mines and the port of shipment, Mr Sewell said the Government was prepared to assist in the construction of a railway to the Brunner Coal Mines, and were willing either to provide funds to construct the railway, or that the Government will adopt that line which will be beat adapted to the interests of the district, irrespective of local influences, and one which would conduce to the welfare of the district. Mr Sewell also stated that he was willing to urge the Government to provide immediate means for the promotion of a series of water schemes, subject to the approval of the surveyors who might be appointed by the Government, and was fully alive to the want of such valuable works being immediately carried out in the district. In reply to the questions as to the apportionment of the L 300,000, he stated the Government had not determined how it should be apportioned, but said that the claims of Westland would receive that consideration duo to its magnitude, and would no doubt receive its fair proportion. The question that L 40,000 should be apportioned to complete the construction of the main road between Ross and Grey month, Mr Sewell said he would recommend the Government to provide means for completing the line of road between the Grey and Ross, including the bridging of the rivers Teremakau and Hokitika. He would recommend that the Christchurch road, although it could uofc be considered as a public work, yet he would advise the Government to take measures for the completion and maintenance of tl» road as a colonial work.