COUNTY OF WESTLAND.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume V, Issue 200, 25 August 1870, Page 2

COUNTY OF WESTLAND.

The following telegraphic letter from Mr. White, a member of the Westland County Council, appeared iv the Wellington Post of Saturday last: — 19th August, 3.15 p.m. To the Members of the House of Representatives, per favor of the Evening Post. Gfntlemen, — In the name of common justice, and in the cause of peace and good Government, I appeal to you to reject the proposition of the Colonial Treasurer, which would inflict upon this County a nominee Chairman. The people of Westland are as loyal and law-respecting as any people in the Colony ; but they are not unmindful that they have an equal right with their fellow colonisls throughout New Zealand to the advantage of responsible Government. Why, then, are they selected as a people over whom to place an irresponsible j ruler? Tbey never asked for it. As a

local public man, who has taken au active part in public matters for a considerable time, I can say that no voice has ever been' raised in favor of the principle of a nominee Chairman ; on the contrary, I kuosv the feeling of the people to be bitterly against it. Upon whose advice, then, is the Government acting in proposing to place this badge of degradation on Westland ? Is it that the self-respect of a people is to be outraged to gratify some wretched place-hunter? Surely gentleman of the House of Representatives, you will save Westland from this proposed indignity. If my appeal come too late — if the mischief be already done — theu, indeed, heart-burnings and discontent are in store for the people of Westland. As I write from a bed ol sickness, inaccuracy of expresion or incoherency of thought you will pray excuse. Yours obediently, Joiin White, M.C.C.