FRIDAY, JUNE 15, 1866.

West Coast Times, Issue 231, 15 June 1866, Page 2

West Coast Times. FRIDAY, JUNE 15, 1866.

Who shall be the members of the new Municipal Council, is now becoming a somewhat serious question. The citizens of Hokitika have manifested ' a great anxiety for the establishment of a local corporation, and at length the necessary steps have been taken to secure that boon. The election pf councillors will tatce place within the next fortnight, and the question remains, yet not practically entertained, who they are to be? In the matter of the representation of the district in the Provincial Council, a somewhat clumsy attempt has been made to bring men into the field, and the names of candidates are already before the public. But no practical steps are being taken to secure the services of citizens in the local governing body about to be created. We do not attribute this circumstance to any indifference on the part of the public. We have no doubt they would be glad to support tho candidature of good men. But at present there are no candidates, and the electors have consequently no basis of action. _ Eligible men are waiting for requisitions to bo presented to them, and the citizens who would willingly sign requisitions are waiting to have the names submitted to them, and the document presented for signature. We are slow in action, difficult to be moved, willing enough to follow leaders £ but waiting listlessly until the leaders appear at the head of some movement. But the present crisis is one that should stimulate the whole people to action. It would be an absurd thing further to dilate upon the advantages that may be expected to be derived from the establishment of a Municipal Government. The subject has been discussed until all its phases have been laid bare. This form of local government now is about to be established. All discussion as to its merits is superseded; it remains only to give it substance and life. The town must henceforth be governed by a local Council. There will, for the future, be no Commissioner to appeal to — no Christchurch authority to fall back upon. The privilege of selfgovernment involves the responsibility of self-government. The two things must bo taken together. The town has now obtained what it has asked for, and the

practical question is, what use will it make of its new prerogative ? Certainly no time should be lost in bringing forward suitable men as candidates for the Municipal Council ; and if the electors neglect to do this they will have no right to complain, however badly the affairs of the municipality are for the future administered.