PUBLIC FUNDS AND TOWN ENDOWMENTS.

West Coast Times, Issue 649, 23 October 1867, Page 2

PUBLIC FUNDS AND TOWN ENDOWMENTS.

TO TUG EDITOB OP TIIE WEST COAST TIMES

Sih — In ono of your locals of Friday, Oct. 18, 1567, a public meeting is reported to have been held in Hokitika, Mr Button in the chair, whore resolutions were passed, and a deputation appointed, to which I, nor any man can object, except to that part whore the General Government is called upon " to make up the remainder of the sum necessary for tho completion of the proposed defences" against father ocean. I do not know how to treat these proceedings. I have scon a telegram from the Hon. E. W. Stafford, that "The ITokitika Municipal Ordinance is validated." I also know that a Municipal Council lias been elected, to take the place of a former one, and a few days more will giro the town and that body a Mayor. JNow I ask, is that newly-con-stituted body unworthy of trust ? Are they incapable of watching even the towns' welfare and safety? If so, why such farce. But if worthy Messrs. Button aud Co , amongst whom I see the name of Mr Prosser — ought to hide their heads for shame. In my opinion Hokitika, either as a Municipality or an Anarchy, ought to show a more liberal spirit to help themselves than applying for aid from a fund which is considerably in arrears with regard to tho country districts, the pay of servants' wages, &c. Has Hokitika not received its share ? Can it point out who has, even to the extent of itself? The country ha 3 suffered most, and is at present at a stand-still. Jones' flat is swamped out, and the people, both merchants and miners, have liberally subcribed about L7OO to construct a tail-race to enable the miners once more to work, without even askiug Government for ono farthing aid ; and for what ? That they might be able to assist in maintaining tho metropolis in Westland. Surely Hokitika selfishly studies no interest except her own, which I am afraid must lead to a further division of Westlaud. Hokitika may sell her lands, and spend the proceeds as she pleases, without being allowed by attempting to exact from the Government of that', which henceforth belongs to the country at large. Yours, &c, A.OJK. Eom, Oot. 19, 1867.