THE Grey River Argus. PUBLISHED DAILY. MONDAY, MAY 6, 1872.

Grey River Argus, Volume XII, Issue 1176, 6 May 1872, Page 2

THE Grey River Argus. PUBLISHED DAILY. MONDAY, MAY 6, 1872.

It is hardly likely that the Legislature can any longer shut their ears to the generally expressed discontent that exists up the Grey Valley and throughout the whole of the Nelson South-west Gold Fields, in connection with Nelson rule. For a series of years the feeling of antagonism has been growing, and for the same time the dissatisfaction with the Curtis administration has been increasing. The present, and apparently perpetual Superintendent of the Province in question, is utterly unable to comprehend the wants or wishes of a Gold Fields com munity. He has no knowledge whatever of mining, practically or theoretically, and is as destitute of any sympathy as he is ignorant of the industry. Things are now becoming serious, and we would wish most earnestty to draw the attention of the General Government to the subject, bo that the present disaffection may be as quickly as possible brought to an end. We very lately referred to the arbitrary manner in which the Superintendent overrode the decision of the Warden in many cases where the latter officer recommended that leases should be granted in the Reefton district, and, as we then surmised, it was evident that very great dissatisfaction would be thereby engendered. This has however taken a more violent shape than we anticipated, and we find that on Thursday last a crowded public meeting was held at Reefton, at which the following resolutions were carried without dissent. We fsay without dissent, for the only apologist for the Nelson Executive appears by the local paper to have been a well known stump orator, possessed neither of brains nor influence, but abounding in what is termed in Colonial phrase "bounce." The resolutions were as follow : —

" That this meeting views with indignation the unwarrantable action of the Superintendent, in having refused certain sold raining leases recommended by the Warden to be granted, and having reduced the area of others contrary to the letter and spirit of the Gold Fields' Act and Regulations, and entirely subversive of all public confidence ; and deems that. snch action has not only inflicted a great wrong on a number of the applicants, but has also had the effect of of preventing the development of the reefs, and the further investment of capital in this district."

"That a Committee be appointed to draft a meirorial to his Excellency the Governor, requesting him to immediately withdraw the delegated powers of the Superintendent of the Province of Nelson, on account of the general maladministration of the Nelson South-West Gold Fields, as particularly exemplified by the action of the Superintendent in reference to certain gold mining leases applied for in this district, by which the whole property of the district has been jeopardised, and has resulted already in the complete stagnation of buaineis. Suoh memorial to be

submitted to a public meeting to be held on Saturday evening next."

" That in the opinion of this meeting, to carry out the intention of the foregoing resolution, it is expedient to secure cooperation of the 'South-West Gold Fields,' and that this Committee be empowered to communicate with the different centres of population to join in the movement." We need hardly say that we fully endorse every one of the resolutions, and only hope that thus late in the day the General Government will listen to the prayer contained. As to the progress of the district being retarded by the action of the Superintendent, there can be but one opinion, and that he is utterly unfit to be entrusted with the vast power that he now wields must bo patent to the most superficial observer. The suggestion that the delegated powers should be withdrawn from him is by no means new, for such a course has been advocated in this journal times out of Lumber and years ago. With reference to the last resolution there will be no difficulty, for since the reign of Mr Kynnersley came to an end mismanagement of the grossest kind has characterised the administration of the South-West Gold Fields, and the whole of the inhabitants located on the gold fields will only too gladly join in any movement that promises relief. But, irrespective of any action that may be taken in connection with the leasing question, there are other and most grave reasons why the unnatural union between the West Coast and Nelson should be severed. There is no' 1 affinity, no common interest between the residents on the South-West Gold Fields and the people of Nelson ; and, just as the Canterbury and Westland people discovered their incompatibility and wisely dissolved partnership, so it is clearly necessary that the South-West Gold Fields and the Nelson Provincial Government should bid adieu to one another. Every journal published on the Coast has from time to time denounced the existing condition of things in the Nelson portion of the West Coast, but only the General Legislature can remedy it, by placing it under a different jurisdiction. As another instance of the Nelson maladministration, and one that specially affects the interests of this port, we may mention the manner in which the Brunner coalmine is worked. As is of course generally known, the Nelson Executive keep this in their own hands and work it af i er their own fashion. Instead of opening the mine properly, they muddle along, knocking down just as much mineral as is absolutely needed, from hand to mouth as it were, aud at the same time picking the mine's eyes out, to use a digging phrase. So long as they gather the 10s per ton from the boats in attendance they are satisfied, and beyond that they have no care. Constantly we have heard well founded complaints as to a deficient supply of coal, whereas millions of tons lie handy, in charge of the Nelson Government. An illustration showing the loss of time and money, owing to the absolute stupidity of the Nelson authorities, was given no later than Friday last. On that day three steamers, the Charles Edward, the Wallabi, and the Murray, required coals to proceed on their voyages, but only the first-named boat could get them. The Murray and Wallabi were detained, aud owing to the southerly swell rendering the bar dangoroua, have already been kept for two days, and may be detained longer. This is of very material consequence to their proprietors, and is entirely owing to the ridiculous and improper manner in which the Provincial Government work the mine. If this is continued, steam-boat owners will seek other sources of supply where the same difficulties do not exist, and on this ground it becomes the interest of Greymouth to seek for a change of administration. At present coal is not got in sufficient quantities to supply the demand, there is no reserve to supply it in case of bad weather, deficient water carriage, or what not ; the mine is being very badly worked, and one of the chief resources of the district, thanks to Prcvinciai mismanagement, is being destroyed instead of developed. Whether regarded in a Greymouth or other light, it must be apparent that it is high time for Nelson and the Coast to part. If the General Government can read the signs of the times they will admit the fact and take steps during the forthcoming session to effect the divorce. We have much more to say on the subject, but will reserve other remarks to a future occasion.