Original Eorrespondence.

Lake Wakatip Mail, Issue 107, 7 May 1864, Page 3

Original Eorrespondence.

• # * Our columns being impartially open, tee do not hold ourselves responsible for the opinions of our correspondents. THE .MIXING INTEREST IN THE PROVINCIAL COUNCIL. To the Editor of the Lake Wakatip Mail. Sir, —The subject denoted by the heading I adopt is one which the present moment seems peculiarly favorable for referring to, and upon which it is well that all who are in any way interested in mining pursuits should bestow their most anxious, calm, and deliberate consideration. That the position of the mining interest in the Council is such as even its most apathetic supporters could desire, will not, I apprehend, be contended for a moment: that it is at all consistent with its importance, commensurate with its magnitude, or adequate to its requirements, no one acquainted with the true bearings of the question will maintain. That that position, however, is, under all circumstances considered a fair matter of congratulation with us; and it is, to a certain extent* creditable to the country and honorable to those who have identified themselves with an interest which has ever had, in all countries, to contend against the jealousies of previously established rights and influence, I feel bound to admit: nevertheless, it behoves us to press forward its claims to a more thoroughly recognised importance, and to a greatly extended power in controlling the legislation of the province. In illustration of our political weakness I may refer to the results which have followed from recent proceedings in the Council; and in reference to which I find you have recently devoted an article to the discussion of the question of Representation, basing your remarks in great measure, upon Captain Baldwin's motions upon this matter. You apparently incline to the belief that it would have been far preferable to have embodied the substance of the two motions in one. Let me beg of you, however, to accept, in the spirit in which it is offered, the suggestion that, in determining upon the course of action to be pursued, it is necessary to know and to pay due regard to the feelings and tactics of the oppo" sition, and it was on these grounds that the course adopted was followed. We had on the one hand those who were opposed to electoral districts, asserting that the Representation Act of '62 precluded the Council from dealing with this part of the question; and on the other, objections to aa increase of two members: and we therefore thought it the best policy not to endanger both principles by an ill-judged alliance. Now I must confess that a certain amount oi support was foreshadowed by the Government to one proposition at least, and I must be equally candid in declaring my conviction that this pretence was characterised by the utmost want of sincerity. Our ultimate defeat, however, on the motion as submitted of course dispels all doubt as to the feeling which predominates in the House, whilst it reduced our position—at least for the time being—to that of political puppets, rather than that of men wielding an authority I consistent with the vast interest we are called on to represent. The question then arises, what coarse is it most desirable to pursue P I know that a feeling exists that it would be better for the goldfields representatives to resign their trust, and for the miners to memorialise his Excellency the Governor to assume to himself the eutire control of mining legislation. I cannot, however, endorse this view of the case, and I would fain hope that a persistent and conciliatory course of proceeding will induce a more liberal feeling towards us; indeed, I think I may fairly refer to the result of my motion in respect to placing a member of the Executive at the head of the mining interest, as some little evidence that there are •any in the House liberally disposed towards us. I would say, however, that if the mining interest show an evident desire to adopt the course indicated, I shall certainly not stand as an obstacle to carrying it out. It may be pertinent to the question if I call to remembrance the opinions of the highest authorities, as expressed on their visiting the goldfields. At the time that Mr Crosbie Ward visited the old diggings it is well known that he expressed the utmost surprise at finding 6uch a development of them, and his astonishment in seeing so vast a population engaged thereon. So it was with the late, and has also recentlv been with his Honor the present Superintendent, in his late tour. All then, apparently, underestimate the importance of the goldfields until they have put into practice that cant phrase, ''ocular demonstration;" and certainly it would not be very complimentary to insinuate that either of the gentlemen referred to was guilty of either flattery or insincerity in the expression of his i opinions. But is there any probability that we ' can induce the majority of the Council to acquaint 1 themselves personally with our requirements ? And have we confidence in their liberality to deal justly with us if they did ? I hope I do no in- \ justice to honorable members in expressing my j fear on this head; and therefore I think it is I imperative upon us to seek a remedy for our grievances through an orderly, energetic and persistent agitation of the question of increased

Representation, combined with electoral districts ; and to this end would I direct the aim of a well organised movement. I say then, agitate the question, memorialise the authorities here, and seek by the same course of procedure to conciliate the House of Representatives, and to obtain from his Excellency the Governor the ratification of a desideratum so essential in promoting the full development, the stability and permanence of our mining interests. I am, &c., John Hughes. Provincial Council Chambers, 29th April, 1864.