Correspondence.

Westport Times, Volume III, Issue 389, 29 October 1868, Page 2

Correspondence.

(To the Editor of the Westport Times and Charleston Argus). Sib, While the chairman of the Progress Committee is in Nelson, would it not be advisable for him to make enquiry concerning the leasing ot the Bulfer Coalfields. Whether there are any bonajlde leaseholders? if so, upon what condition the lease or leases have been granted, and whether those conditions are being fulfilled? The energetic action now being taken by the neighbouring province ought to be a stimulus to us who have the coal in a much more accessible position, and, according to t'-ie Woolwich report, an infinitely more valuable article when brought to market; but, leaving that out of the question, there is, I believe, nine miles of a railway to be made by our Greymouth neighbor, through an unproductive country, against an eight miles' line to reach our coal, through a populous district, viz., the Caledonian, Giles' Terrace, and the country to the north, and presenting few or no engineering difficulties. No effort on our p.irt ought to be span d in endeavoring to draw the attention of capitalists to the almost inexhaustible mineral wealth of our immediate neighborhood, and I feel convinced that the Nelson Government will be only too nappy in affording every facility in their power for so desirable an end. lam, Sir, Tours, &c, M. J. Westport, Oct. 28, 1868.