UNIFORM GOVERNMENT OF THE GOLD FIELDS.

Grey River Argus, Volume XII, Issue 1257, 9 August 1872, Page 3

UNIFORM GOVERNMENT OF THE GOLD FIELDS.

The following is the draft memorial adopted by the Ahaura Committee, and to which signatures are being procured in that district of the Grey Valley :- "That the Gold Fields of the West Coast of the Middle Island have, since their discovery, by the extent and value of their hitherto partially developed resources, largely contributed to the payment of the taxation, and to the general prosperity of the Colony. "Thattheir future well-being and farther development are of the greatest importance to the whole Colony, and consequently deserve the serious consideration of your Honorable House. " That your memorialists, while recognising the disposition of the General Legislature to promote the interests of the district, regret under the present dual form of government, their necessities are to a great extent unknown, and consequently uncared for. ' They have so small a voice in the control of the disposition of the large revenue which they contribute to the General and Provincial Revenues, and of which Revenue so very large a portion is absorbed in departmental and legislative expenses, that a very small residue in any one year is available for carrying on works absolutely necessary for opening up and aiding the development of the vast mineral and other sources of wealth existing in the district. " That your memorialists consider that these evils, to a great extent, are caused by the Gold Fields' districts being attached to the settled portion of the Province of Nelson, in the Provincial Council of which they have no adequate representation.Rand at the same time are under the control of an executive government which consists wholly of persons who are in a great degree ignorant of the wants of this district, and from local connections more absorbed in the interests of the other parts of the Province. "That, while the whole of the Gold of the West Coast of the Middle r Island, are similar in their physical features, and the inhabitants are engaged in or connected with the same kind of industry, and have consequently identically the same requirements, there is, unfortunately a difference in the form of government, in the legislation and administrative regulations, causing duplicate taxation, and producing a general and increasing feeling of dissatisfaction. " Tour memorialists having personally the deepest interest in promoting the general prosperity of the district, and of allaying the present discontent, would respectfully urge your Honorable House to adopt such measures as may be deemed best calculated to secure a united and uniform government of these Gold Field?.

" Tour memorialists, venture to assert that a large economy might be obtained

by placing the whole of these Gold Fiel« Is under the direct control of the General Government, at the same t|me dividit g the district inio Roadßoards,' which shou d have the disposal of certain .fixed^rppcftions of the Local Revenues arising, from the sale of land, Gold Fields 1 Revenue, Licenses, &c, and without the intervention of either Provincial or County Coubcils, or the employment of any other officials, than the Resident Magistrates, Collectors of Customs, Survey, and Engineering Staff, as at oresent ; but they would respectfully acfd that if this very simple and inexpensive svstem^f government should not'be^Bpproved of by the majority of your Honorable House} they are of opinion that the next best form jof-government-would be that of a Provincial Council, and Superintendent, to be elected by the people. • . j . "Your memorialists desire, therefore, respectfully to urge on your Honorable House the propriety of introducing during the present session of Parliament, such measures as will secure the alterations they have respectfully refered to, believing tbat prompt, and decided action: is necessary to allay the growing discontent which prevails, and which has a tendency, to greatly retard the development of this importantdistrict, to diminish its revenue^ and to cause a great decrease in its popnla-. tion. '„,,' : ' "And you memorialists, as in duty bound, will ever pray."