RIVETTING THE BONDS.

West Coast Times, Issue 666, 12 November 1867, Page 2

RIVETTING THE BONDS.

<v TO THE XDITOE OV THE WEST COAST TIMES. Sis — Xow that ifc appears to be thoroughly decided by the General Government that the old system of which we have so long aud justly complained is not to be swept away, as we f jndly and foolitilxly hopod, but is to be continued in a more aggravated form, ifc is to be naturally expected that the people who have so long fought fho battle of Separation will not tit down calm and contented under the direct insult now offered to Westland. The elevation of Mi* Sale to be onco more tho despot of the district, with vastly enlarged powers, cannot but bo viewed with alarm by every thinking individual on the coast. We all know (unfortunately, too well) from bitter experience, what to expecs from the tender mercies of one who has on all occasions proved himself to bs ulterly careless of our wauls and hostile io our interests. Jt is reported of one of our members, llvi in the past session of tho Provincial Couucil ho said that " any S3 r stem might be made a. good one, if it was administered by a good man iv an impartial manner," and as far as my experience goes, we havo been under a system which was bad enough in itself, but the evils of which were multiplied and aggravated in a hundredfold degree by the offensive, nnd in very many cases, insulting manner in which the system was administered. Wo do not have self-government unless tho administration of affairs is in the hands of men who are in some way responsible to tho people as well as to the • higher power. 1 very much fear that if the Government persist in carrying into effect their present intention of appointing Mr Sale to be our supreme dictator, that a bitter feeling will be aroused, and the district and its members forced into direct opposition and open hostility to the Government in whom we placed sucli implicit confidence. It is indeed humiliating to consider our present helpless condition, and look upon it as the sole result of our hard struggle- for self-government. la the battle to end iv this P Are we, when we looked upon the victory as won, to be quietly told that we are once more to be helples.-fy prostrate at the feet of a man whose rule lias been not only a series of - blunders, but who has on all occasions proved himself indifferent to Westland and to Westland interests,? And allow me to ask— do tho Government in their wildest moments expect that we will tamely submit to this ? Those who supposed the Avar to bo over, and hoped to enjoy shortly, at least some of the blessings of peace, will quickly discover that the fight is only commencing. A portion of the Christchurch press, within the past twelve months, made themselves almost merry at our expense, when we placed such implicit faith in the promises oi Mr Moorho-ass. Those who knew 'ths

man knew how much hi** promises wcro worth, and what value ho placed upon them ; while we, eager to escape from the evils we know of, were cajoled by fair words, and we all know the result. Alas _ for our credulity ; we have liberally irusted, and we have been deceived It appears to be our unhappy fate, and turn which way we will for succour, we always expect relief without ever getting it ! It would occupy too much of your space were I to attempt to recal to the recollection of your readers one tithe of the injuries which Westland has suftered at the hands cf our past and future lord and master ; but I may briefly allude to some of them. Who was it, when repeatedly asked, during the early days of the settlement by the people of Hokitika to oause necessary public works to be undertaken for the protection of the town and the benefit of the district, invariably placed himself in direct and factious opposition to the expressed wishes of the peoplo? Answer me that Mr Under-Secretary. Who used to receive deputations on tho most important matters, with a style peculiarly his own, and not only sent them empty away, but often with fleas in their respective ears ? Who refused to sanction the construction of the road from Ross to the Beach, although tho money was repeatedly granted by the Council for that purpose ? Who, on his sole responsibility, imposed illegally a tax on (he holders of water rights ? Who is it, who, living among us for so long, has never identified himself in the slightest degree with our iutcrests, but reserved all his sympathies for liis Christchurch friends ? Who, m short, has rendered the Christchurch rule to be no longer endurable ? Answer mo these questions, Me Under-Secretary, and if you do not, or cannot, the voice of the people, as the voice of one man, will say with the most unmistakeable clearness and emphasis, " Thou art the man." Trusting that the people will make themselves heard in this matter, I am, &c. Loyalty.