Page 3 Advertisements Column 1

Westport Times, Volume II, Issue 152, 25 January 1868, Page 3

TO THE ELECTORS OE THE BELLER DISTRICT. GENTLEMEN.— As it will be impossible for me to have an opportunity of personally explaining my views to all the Electors, I avail myself of the press to state, as briefly as possible, what my opinions are, and trust that they will be found in accordance with those of a majority of the electors. In the first place the gold mining industry is, in my belief, the only one that the "West Coast will have for many years to come to depend on, and it should be the first care of the Govern - ment to foster and encourage it. The Nelson Government have no doubt done much, but a great deal remains undone. Gold is known to exist in quantity up the various rivers, but the difficulty of getting provisions to the auriferous ground has prevented it from being opened. Tracks, in my opinion, should be cut not only along the banks, but should intersect the intervening country, and as far as possible thus connect the chief rivers, and thereby afford an opportunity to miners of thoroughly opening up the country at present locked up. No reasonable amount of money thus spent would be wasted, but would be reproductive, and alike beneficial to the miner and business men of every degree, for new fields of industry would be thrown open, new channels for trade found, and the extra revenue from direct and indirect duties would soon repay the outlay. On these grounds then I should support liberal grants for the above purpose, and as at the next meeting of Council the yearly Estimates will be brought forward, your representative, whoever he may be, will be able to urge these views on the Council. MINING BOARDS.

Having had ample experience of the beneficial working of these institutions in Victoria, I should, if elected, earnestly advocate their introduction into this part of the coast. The presentregulations are capable of great improvement, such improvement in fact as I consider can only be made by a board of practical miners. FERRIES. In reference to ferries, I think that these should in all eases be retained in the hands of the Government, or if this was not found to be possible, at least a very large reduction should be made in the rates, 6d being act ample payment under ordinary circumstances for the service rendered. Under no circumstances would I sanction bridge monopolies. When these are granted the proprietors aro allowed to charge exhorbitant rates, not only for passengers, but packhorses and vehicles, and tbis charge ultimately falls on the miner or the consumer.