The Westport Times. SATURDAY, AUGUST 21, 1869.

Westport Times, Volume III, Issue 545, 21 August 1869, Page 2

The Westport Times. SATURDAY, AUGUST 21, 1869.

The fact that in October next the oflieo of Superintendent of this Province becomes vacant, suggests many matters of interest to the residents of Nelson Golduelds. As yet no sign has appeared in the Nelson journals to indicate whether any contest is to be anticipated. But wo hardly think it pro bable that Mr Curtis will bo permitted to assume power again, without some show of opposition. Now ic is perfectly clear that the goldfields are not strong enough in voting power to elect a Superintendent in spite of the rest of the constituency. Alone, no doubt, they may be powerless, still the number of voters is such, that combined with any active party in Nelson, they would have a sensible weight in an election. That tho coast has no reason to regard with aversion any opposition to Mr Curtis, wo need only refer to tho studied indifference which has characterised his administration of our affairs. And that Nelson would be reluctant to part with his services we very much doubt.

Tho high-handed disregard for the votes of the Council, and the unseemly and undignified discussions into which Mr Curtis was betrayed, cannot have failed to prepare the way for any suitable candidate who may present himself. So far as tho Coast is concerned we have abundant proofs to justify our assertion that indiiference has been shown to its requirements. Many monthshave elapsed since comparatively large sums were voted for works urgently required—about £9,000 for roads in the Grey district, and about £5,000 for. roads at the Bullcr. £3,000 also was voted for the Duller River protection, besides smaller sums for other necessary works. But although these votes exist on paper and formed part of the appropriation Bill, no practical results have evideueed themselves. True an insignificant track is creeping along the Northern terraces but tho main objects of the votes are absolutely neglected. The river bank is slowly but surely retiring before the water, and notwithstanding the approach of flood time, no attempt is being made to meet a danger known to bo so imminent. With so many reasons for action we think it incumbent upon the people of Westport to bo up and stirring. It is no new axiom that we repeat when we say—Heazen helps those who help themselves. The opportunity is one which should not be lost, and upon its beirg seized or neglected, much of the prosperity of the district will depend and it is by no means too soon for us to let our wishes take the shape of action. Some steps ought at once be adopted to ascertain tho sentiments of our own electors. The views of the Nelson voters can be obtained subsequently. The Separation movement to some extent may have led to a partial alien-

ation from us of tiio sympathies of the Nelson people. Still, wo think, that a party will be formed in Nelson, who will gladly co-operate with us, and whose influence added to our own, would conduce materially to our mutual benefit and advancement. The failure of the Separation movement, aud the apparent disinclination of the people to adopt any modified system of self-government, invests this question with peculiar importance. Taken advantage of as it deserves to be, the chance afforded may be fraught with incalculable advantages. If allowed to elude our grasp, it will bo a proof that public spirit and a true appreciation of public duties must not be sought amongst the people of these districts. We cannot contemplate an alternative so humiliating. We would rather believe that there are numbers amongst us properly sensible of their duties ; and that ere long, prompt aud energetic measures will be proposed in order to test the value of the suggestions we have thrown out.