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Hokitika Guardian, 18 September 1917, Page 2

Thk comment on the working of the jury system in the Legislative Council last week was not complimentary to tho West Coast as a whole. At thi outset thanks should he expressed to Hon. Sir William Hall-Tones for speaking lin so promptly in defence of the Coast generally recognising as he did that the district was without representation in the Council. The ox-Premie-r’s iehainpionship of tho district might he well appreciated publicly by tlie Deputy Mayor on behalf of the community, and the occasion would be opportune to press the Government tp give the district direct representation in the Council. As to the sweeping charge lovelled against the coast, it eventuated from a legal gentleman who visited Greymouth not so very long '.ago. Wjhethor he is smarting (under Oil's own experiences, or has knowledge of Coast iconimnnities as a - whole, he should be more specific in his charges. The motion was agreed to on very little argument as far as the West Coast is concerned but probably th* legislators were, more cognisant of the* Napier case, <aud cast tlmir votes Mceor-dingly. The reflections orf Westland should not ho tolerated, aiid the Borough Council, without delay, should supply the Leader ui tho Legislative Council with a pointed denial of the changes so far as this district is concerned. The jury system lias worked hero without any clause for reflection upon the Hon a tides of tho people, and it would be W ell that a plain statement of the matter should go before the critics in Wellington.

Thk delay in the completion of arrangements for the purchase of this season’s butter and cheese was mentioned in tho House of Representatives last week. Mr Malcolm said that tho dairying season was commencing, and tho dairying companies were very anxious to know what arrangements the Government proposed to make for the purchase on behalf of the Imperial authorities. It was difficult for them to make their financial arrangements at present. The Prime Minister said tho Government was using all possible expedition to bring the negotiations which were now proceeding to a satisfactory conclusion. Tho Imperial authorities were eomewliat slow to move. They had a very awkward position to face owing to the shortage of shipping, and required to study tho situation carefully before giving a definite decision. If he did not receive, a r+qily within a day or two lift would send another cablegram reminding tho Imperial authorities that the dairying season hud commenced, Hml that the. butter producers were anxious to know their position, The arrangements of last season with regard to cheese were standing. The Imperial Board of Trade was taking over tho cjheese. The price ,required to be .settled, but in the meantime product-

ion could proceed as irsual. Mr. Massey said there was no real difficulty as far as the choeso factories were concerned. The Imperial authorities would take the samo amount of cheese as last year. That was beyond all question. Tho price would not bo less than tho price paid last season, and the arrangements in regard to advances would bo the same. Tho producers would bo ablo to draw 90 per cent. of tho value of cheese delivered in store. Tho whole position might bo settled at any time by a cablegram from London.