Page 3 Advertisements Column 3

West Coast Times, Issue 217, 30 May 1866, Page 3

Election Notice. TO THE ELECTORS op CANTERBURY IN WESTLAND. GENTLEMEN,— I feel that an apology is duo to you for not having paid you a visit in person long since. It has beon my earnest wish to havo done so, but I havo been prevented from taking so long a joumoy owing to tho temporary results of an accident. I should havo addressed you by lottor had I not expected to bo able to pay you a visit. You will gathor my opinions upon matters affecting th 6 Provinco generally from tho address which accompanies this lottor. I havo only to add a fow words upon matters ospecially connected with tho Wost Coast. With rogard to tho Road, I think tho Government wore driven at onco to make a choice between two things, either tho immediate erection of Wostland into a separate Provinco, or tho construction of a road and tolegraph, by which you could bo placed in communication with tho Government on this side. It was obviously impossible that any sort of Government could bo administered on tho Wost Coast, from this side, with any justice or satisfaction to yoursolvos, without such a communication. In adopting tho latter of theso two alternatives, tho Government does not appear to mo to havo acted in a manner hostile to your wishes, for I cannot loam that tho population on tho West Coast has at any time unanimously or distinctively expressed its wish to be formed into a separate Province, although tho subject has naturally boeu discussed iv tho public journals. In tho absence of a very distinct demand on tho part of tho West Coast, and an immediate determination on the part of tho Government to sever Westland from Canterbury — a stop which any Government would havo beon exceedingly loath to take— the construction of tho road and tolegraph was absolutely necessary. I am quito aware that 'tho cost of this road has been very great, and tho charge of any part of it upon, tho revenues of tho West Coast has beon strongly opposed. I havo no doubt a fair arrangement will bo como to by tho Provincial Council, assisted by your own representatives, for charging tho cost of this work in a manner that will bo satisfactory to both parts of tho Provinco. A suggestion has been made that it should bo placed upon tho Loan, and if such an arrangement should tend to cement the union botwoon tho two parts of tho Provinco, it would receive my support. Although tho great mass of tho population on tho West Coast do not vote for tho Superintendent, tho interests of that part of tho Provinco are equal in magnitudo and importance to thoso on this side, and it will be tho duty of tho Superintendent, by frequont visits, to make himself personally acquainted with tho wants of tho people arf&'JJio conduct of tho Government. You have now five Members in the Provincial Council, but that which will most completely secure the attention of the Government to your affairs will be tho presence of one of those gentlemen in the Executive Council ; that is an arrangement I Bhould always wish to see carried out if practicable, and I have no doubt you will return men for the Provincial Council, who will be able and be prepared to take such a practical part in the administration of tho affairs of the province. Tho system of municipalities for the expenditure of local revenues in the districts in which they arise, is one which may bo beneficially extended to your part of the Province. lam naturally anxious to preserve the unity of the province ; but lam perfectly sure that the result can only be obtained by administration of equal justice to every part. I havo the honor to be, [Sirs, Your most obedient Servant, J. D. LANCE. Christchurch, May 21, 1866. 2752 Books and Stationery. TOKN WILLIAM GOLDBUIIGH^ 0 STATIONER & BOOKSELLER, Littlo Paddock, Hau Hau Diggings. Every description of Books. Agent for "West Coast Times" and "Leader." All Melbourne and Foreign Nowspapors ; Latest Dates Tobacco and Cigars, finest Brands. 2778 M R - ' °- c! button, BARRISTER AND SOLICITOR, Commissioner of tho Supremo Court of Victoria, WHABF-STItEET, HOKITIKA. 2761