The Westport Times AND CHARLESTON ARGUS. MONDAY, APRIL 20, 1868.

Westport Times, Volume II, Issue 224, 20 April 1868, Page 2

The Westport Times AND CHARLESTON ARGUS. MONDAY, APRIL 20, 1868.

The fact of the Nelson Provincial Council meeting immediately seems, amidst lately exciting circumstances, to have been quite forgotten, and it would be well before it is too late for the residents on the Coast to take such steps as will ensure them grants for the public service that are in some degree proportionate to the importance of the G-oldfields, and the very considerable revenue that the Provincial coffers derive from them. The Commissioner has hitherto been the sole authority appealed to in connection with the wants or requirements of the district, and to do him justice no fault whatever can be found as to the fullness and justice of the demands he has made. At the same time it is scarcely likely, in the first place, that his list is as full as the public would altogether desire; and in the second, it is tolerably certain that only a portion of that list will be approved of by the Provincial Executive and placed on the estimates. There are too many hungry districts on the other side of the range for us to hope for any extra slices without a scramble, and it is well that our members should be thoroughly posted up before they venture into the troubled waters that during the session they must inevitably encounter. We much doubt whether as yet the said members actually know what is exjpected of them, and in order to afford them no excuse on this head the public j should in some way indicate their (wishes. This could be best done by l.public meetings being held in Westport, Addison's, Caledonian, Charleston, jand Brighton, when all questions of interest could be discussed, and opportunity thereby afforded to all to offer suggestions that might be valuable. A very long catalogue could, without difficulty, be compiled, and the hands of members would be materially strengthened if the reasonableness or otherwise of many items were thus publicly discussed before further action was taken. We do not of course, mean to say that members should accept all the suggestions made, but by such a course they would gain much information as to the wishes of their constituents, and could then act on them in such a manner as their best judgment dictated. In Westport there are many matters to which attention should be called. Of course, tracks to /the diggings and other public works, demand chief attention, but in addition to these, there are several others of scarcely less interest to all residents here. For instance, the development of - our almost limitless coal resources, is a question for the most serious consideration, and it is quite time that the discoveries, or rather the confirmation of previous discoveries during the experimental survey of Mr Burnett, should be turned to some good account. In connection with this mineral something definite should be ascertained as to the tenure of a large portion of the occupied crown lands in the town known as the Coal Eeserve. People have erected large and substantial buildings on it and yet, in fact, merely hold the ground on sufferance, and by virtue of business licenses. This is very unsatisfactory and they either should be permitted to lease or purchase their holdings, so as to give there by some fixed value to their properties. A settlement of this is imperatively demanded during the coming session. The projected Westport, Addison's, and Charleston Tramway haltsin its commencement, though a large grant of land has been promised on its completion, and we were given to believe that operations would be commenced some two or three months ago. If the conditions of the lease are not fulfilled it should be cancelled, and thus throw the scheme open in the hope, at least, that others would carry out so beneficial and probably remunerative work. A grant for hospital purposes was made, and plans prepared for a proper building, but we have heard no more of the matter, and an old stable does duty at present for the reception of patients. There cannot be two opinions as to the desirability of establishing a Mechanic's Institute, or something of a similar nature, and if application is made to the

Council for assistance, no doubt it will be iiccordcd. We could extend the list ad infinitum, but it is unnecessary, we only wish to sbow that it is a matter of extreme importance to send our representatives to Nelson fully equipped for the wordy battle. In this session the West Coast has four members, and on them of course much depends. They must remember that they are not the representatives of any particular coterie or place, but of the Coast generally. The same policy that will be beneficial to one locality will be to another, the interests of all are identical, and it is to be hoped that the quartet will unite in furthering the general good, instead of seeking claptrap popularity, by endeavoring to obta n benefits for one place at the expense of others. United, they can, we feel sure, obtain all that is reasonable, as well as the respect of the Council; on the other hand, if they are isolated and separate, they will injure all. Let them remember th» fable of the bundle of sticks, and profit by it. In the meanwhile, let us hope public meetings will be held without loss of time as above pointed out, and that our members may set an exampie of unity which may be well followed by their constituents.