The Westport Times AND CHARLESTON ARGUS. SATURDAY, OCTOBER 31, 1868.

Westport Times, Volume III, Issue 391, 31 October 1868, Page 4

The Westport Times AND CHARLESTON ARGUS. SATURDAY, OCTOBER 31, 1868.

The statement made by the chairman of the Progress Committee, respecting his recent mission and its results, is one that no doubt has been read with alarm amongst a large section of this community, and the worst of the matter is, that there does not at present seem to be any probability of a change for some six months to come. The province of Nelson it appears has gone to leeward suddenly, to the nominal extent of £16,000, but actually, as shown by the Superintendent, of £32,ooo,through agross financial error originating with the Colonial Treasurer, singularly perpetuated by the Provincial Government, and eventuating in the province finding itself before little more than half the financial year is over £20,000 in debt, utterly unable to carry on the public works to which its Government were pledged. The Superintendent was correct when he said that he feared he might come in for a share of the blame attachable to such an extraordinary state of affairs, but at present it is scarcely worth while investigating causes, when effects are what we have immediately to deal with. The only thing satisfactory to find, is, that the pecuniary blight that has smitten the Coast is not confined to this part of the province alone, but all share equally in the stroke. Another good has resulted from the deputation, the public mind here will be disabused of the idea that they were being dealt with unfairly, for by their reception of the petition, the G-overnment have proved that hard necessity, no matter how occasioned, has compelled the steps that have been recently taken, and that they are anxious to do all in their power to afford all the relief possible in our strait. To bring about this feeling alone was worth ten times the expenses incurred but at the same time, it does not help us in the dilemma we are placed in, in reference to the river bank protection works. One thing is clear that Westport must look to itself for it is not at all likely the Government, already in debt £20,000, and little more than half the financial year gone, can come forward with much or indeed any assistance. However the public here can help themselves is another riddle, and to add to the difficulty of solving it, two professional men estimate the cost of protection respectively at £4OOO and £20,000. Mr

Lowe's lower estimate is formed on the spot, Mr Blackett's in Nelson, so we should certainly lean to the former as being most correct, but again how is even that to be raised ? The suggestion as to the sale of the coal reserve seems to be the only feasible one, and it is scarcely probable that this would realise more than half the sumrequired. Certainly with the comparative failure of the Auckland fields, and the returning tide of diggers, and the improved prospects of the diggings in the district, property is likely to slowly improve in value, but at the same time on an average very little more than the upset price would be realised for sections. If £2OOO is set down as the probable sum obtainable from this source, it will be very close to the truth, but that would not nearly suffice, though possibly with that in hand, people might be found, who,in consideration of other certain advantages, would so take payment. Another difficulty has been mentioned, though it is one that in our opinion i« scarcely worth consideration. This is that opposition to the sale may be made by the earlier purchasers of sections in this town, as originally laid out and sold. These we may observe are situated higher up the river than the Coal reserve, and are at present uncleared bush. The idea is that these persons may consider or affect to consider that a breach of faith has been committed towards them in selling, as when they bought, they understood that the Coal reserve was to be unoccupied, excepting for the purposes from which it takes its name. This is scarcely likely, for they have been cognizant of a town rising up on this very reserve for a couple of years or more, and if they intended to remonstrate they might have done so before. The Government committed quite as great a breach of faith in permitting occupation, and extracting <£s per annum rental, in the shape of a business license, for every thirty-three feet frontage, and in some cases for half that amount. "What should prevent their deriving this income in perpetuity if they chose, and how much better off would the early purchasers be then ? The men, who are represented as injured parties, bought solely as speculators, as proved by the fact that not one of them has improved his land or erected a house on it, and yet some hyper-honourable sentiment is got up on their behalf, and dread of opposition, based on such sentiment, is expressed. It is not at all likely that the Westportpeople are going to be driven into anciently surveyed swamps, and made to pay high profits to Nelson greed. The subject is scarcely worth the space we have devoted to it, but we mention it in order that if opposition by the owners be attempted it may not take people unawares. The Committee did well to postpone further discussion, for in the meanwhile, as the naked and unpleasant truth of our position is clearly arrived at, time may possibly allow some bright idea to be eliminated for some relief. Even though by no means admitting that the conjoint skill of Messrs Blackett and Lowe should be considered final, their united professional experience will at least enlighten the community on the subject. This will be obtained within a week, and we trust their report may be of a more encouraging character than present appearances justify us in expecting.

In our report of the Progress Committee in yesterday's issue, two rather serious errors occurred. The Provincial overdraft, by the omission of a figure, is made only £2,000, whereas it is really £20,000. Another is in reference to the mode of sale of land. The report states that the land would be sold " in Hokitika and other places;" it should read " as in Hokitika, &c." In the republication of the report today, the corrections are made, but we draw the attention of those who may have been misled by yesterday's issue. In the " General Government Gazette" of the 17th inst., Joseph Giles, Esq., of "Westport; Charles Broad, Esq,, of Charleston; and Roger Dutton, Esq., of Cobden, are appointed Eeceivers of Land and Gold Revenues at each of these places respectively. The John Penn on her return from Greymouth and Hokitika, will sail for Nelson and Manakau, calling at "Wanganui on her return trip. The letter of "A Subscriber," in reference to Hospital matters, has been received, and will appear in our next.

The Caledonian is at length to have the privilege of a mail service, tenders for which are called before the 10th proximo. Though the contract ia to be from the Ist of January, 1869, we presume that the successful tenderer will commence operations at once, and that postal advantages will not be deferred for nearly two months.

We are requested to remind our readers that the Hospital Ball takes place positively on the day announced, Tuesday next, and there will be no furtherpostponement. The room is already sufficiently completed for the purpose, and will bo handed over to the Committee for decoration, &c, on Monday next. A large quantity of wines and spirits, not to omit less intoxicating beverages, as well as poultry and other substantial, have been proaused gratuitously, and in this respect the greatest liberality has been manifested. There is no doubt of the entertainment being a great success, and a large addition to the funds may be expected. In the Resident Magistrate's Court yesterday, several civil cases were heard, but none of the smallest public interest. A Warden's Court was also held, but the business was unimportant.

A large quantity of gold, 6360 oz. 8 dwts. 5 grs., was shipped yesterday, by rhe John Perm for Hokitika, the duty on whichamountedto£794 16s 2d. Of this the Bank of New Zealand sent 2879 oz. 2 dwts., and the Bank of New South Wales, 3488 oz 6. dwts. 5 grs. Mr Gallagher, M.H.E., returned per John Penn on Thursday last. Whether he will hold meetings to give an account of his stewardship, as has been fashionable in other places, or not, we have yet to learn. Should he do so, those he represents in Westport would at least have an opportunity of seeing him once, a privilege that hitherto they have not had an opportunity of enjoying.