The Westport Times. TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 1869.

Westport Times, Volume III, Issue 469, 23 February 1869, Page 2

The Westport Times. TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 1869.

It will be a matter for unqualified regret if the Progress Committee of Westport are content to rest upon their oars in reference to the all-im-portant question of Separation. The refusal of the Chairman to devote himself further to the prosecution of his self-imposed task is, no doubt, a source of discouragement to his colleagues, and must in no small degree have lessened their faith in the probabilities of success. That one who seemed so deeply impressed with the strength of his case, who appeared to be so zealous in its advocacy, should for reasons so shallow, not to say unworthy, have retired from the contention, is no doubt disheartening. But still we think that that fact should not deter the Committee from pushing the contest to a decided conclusion.

The obloquy which they have earned at the hands of this community, and from the Grey River Argus, cannot surprise them. In fact it is only what was predicated by ourselves when we last referred to the subject. We were then, and still are, of opinion that to retire from the struggle, excepting under an irresistible convictionof its hopelessness, would be consistent neither with personal honor nor public duty : and this because we assume that the movement originated from a firm belief in the justice of the case set up; and because we know that the bulk of the community are only too ready to strengthen the agitation by cordial support the moment a definite scheme is propounded.

So far as enquiry has been made, there exists ample ground for saying that, unless the interests of the goldfields of Nelson are to be sacrificed, a radical change in the administration of affairs must at once take place. And we have reason for believing that had the movement for Separation been persevered in from the beginning instead of having been causelessly abandoned, concessions of ammportant nature would have been made. Now, we fear, unless some decided and vigorous measures be taken to remove the impression, nothing but contempt for our claims and our action will characterise the conduct of the Nelson Government, and, instead of any benefit accruing to the district, the only result will be one of unmixed evil. Circumstances not a few justify us in anticipating, at the hands of the Nelson Executive, a studied disregard of our opinions and our claims. What else can be expected if we are content, by a mere spasmodic assertion of our claims, to play -so completely into their hands ? A government which can seriously entertain so Utopian a project as the Nelson and Cobden railway, and spend monev upon its inception, while it refuses to lend a hand to develop such a mine of wealth as is waiting at Mount Eochfort, is surely capable of any dereliction of duty. While property to a large amount is in imminent danger on the Bui ler banks—while tracks and roads to proved goldfields are still wanting—they can justify to themselves a huge expenditure upon a hospital large enough for the whole of New Zealand, and they think it wise and fair to undertake an expenditure of over .£31,000 for a dry dock! And now as a climax—we had almost written, to their want of political honesty—they propose to squander more of the public money in a public reception, at Nelson, of the Duke of Edinburgh !! Upon this last point we shall have more to say at another time. We would only desire to be understood as not objecting to the utmost loyalty being evoked in honor of our beloved Sovereign's son. We in common with all Britons will always be ready to show our devotion to the Boyal House and to scruple little at any demonstration of that devotion. All we assert is that while this district is languishing for works of paramount importance, while it has doled out to it with niggard hand a mere fraction of the large revenue it furnishes to its unproductive is too much to expect us to regard such expenditure, as we have

alluded to, with feelings at all akin to I equability. But it will be little use our writing. —little result will ever follow the unanimous opinion of the community upon this subject, unless that opinion takes a tangible form, and is pressed home with uncompromising detorminanation. The Progress Committee are bound to carry to its legitimate consequences the movement they have initiated, unless they are prepared to submit to the proper scora which must follow all self- stultification. The action of the Chairman is his own personal matter, and for it he is alone responsible. It is no justification to his fellow-members for abandoning the interests of those who entrusted them with their interests, notwithstanding that theirpowersareimperfect,and their status not legally recognised. There are signs enough in the times to make it a matter of almost selfpreservation that a decided stand should be made against the aggressive policy of Nelson. Kumours, bearing with them the impress of undoubted truth, ever and anon reach us of injustice done, and nepotism and jobbery intended. These we shall relentlesly expose when the proper time arrives. In the meantime we again urge upon the Progress Committee the duty they owe to themselves and to the community, of renewing the agitation which has too long slumbered. They may count upon the earnest exercise of whatever influence we may possess. Above all they may rely upon the united cooperation of an almost overwhelming majority of the inhabitants of this district. The opportunity is a noble one, and, thus urged, we feel sure they will hesitate long ere they prove recreant to the trust confided to their care.