The Southland Times. TUESDAY, AUGUST 23, 1870.

Southland Times, Issue 1297, 23 August 1870, Page 2

The Southland Times. TUESDAY, AUGUST 23, 1870.

The information which appeared in our last- issue, to the effect that overtures had been made to Mr Macandbew, by the Secretary of the Hokitika Annexation League, desiring that "Westland should be united to Otago, must have taken some of our readers by surprise. Those who have supported the re-union of this Province to Otago on the plea of the gradual absorption of the provinces of the Middle Island under one government, must have been highly gratified at the course which events were taking towards the speedy consummation of their desires, while those who believe in the advisability of adhering to the present system of managing the affairs of the colony, must have wondered how the people of the "West Coast had so suddenly arrived at the conclusion that it would be more conducive to their interests to place themselves under the control of what is shortly to become our \ own governing power. It is necessary, therefore, to explain that for some time past a moveinent.has^been on foot, having for its object the annexation of that part of the county of Westland which lies to the north of the Teremakau river, to the

province of Nelson. It is well-known that for a long time past a feeling of jealousy has existed between the chief towns of the county — Hokitika and G-reymouth — and we believe we are correct in stating that- the workings of the green-eyed monster have culminated in the wish of the latter to be TTttea~-«irow^Ql]_^co niiec t{ 011 the former, and an orgaajaaJziQa^has been, atwork for several months pasT^-itrzr'tae purpose of rousing a feeling in the* inhabitants of the district in favor of pining the neighboring province of Nelson. The people of Hokitika, fearing that the predilections of the present Ministry would cause them to favor the project, have bestirred themselves to action, and, as a counter agitation it has., been resolved to adopt the course stated j in our telegram. In confirmation^ this | view, it is only necessary to add that no effort is being spared to prevent the dismemberment of the county.