THe Westport Times AND CHARLESTON ARGUS. THURSDAY, OCTOBER 13, 1870.

Westport Times, Volume IV, Issue 723, 13 October 1870, Page 2

THe Westport Times AND CHARLESTON ARGUS. THURSDAY, OCTOBER 13, 1870.

The Nelson Examiner, in a recent issue, referring to an article appearing in the West poet Times of the 2-ith nit., treating mainly upon the inadequateucss of the sums voted for public works on the West Coast, zealously takes up the cudgels for the Government. What we then complained of, and still remains matter for reasonable resentment, is that the G-ovorninent failed to furnish such a statement of the aiiairs of the Province, and of the West Coast in particular, to the Council as could enable the Groldfielda' members to provide sufficiently for the efficient execution of public works urgently needed. So far as we can learn, and in the matter of gaining official information it must be conceded that wo do not enjoy the same advantages as our contemporary, there can be little doubt that something less than £IOOO is the total bum available for the construction of new roads and maintenance of those already in existence during the present financial year. Now it will scarcely be attempted to be made out that this is a suitable provision for the requirements of a large tract of country containing a busy and prosperous population whose pursuit necessarily involves a perpetual crossing and re-crossing of the country. Ono party of claim-holders alone—as affording an instance in point—have recently contracted for the transport of heavy machinery to the claim, at something more than double the cost the carriage would have involved, had there been a moderately passable means of communication. It surely cannot be matter for surprise that the minor, who is heavily taxed and who, indeed, contributes an undue share to the revenue of the Province, should bitterly resent such a callous indifference to his most material interests. Next to the protection of his person in the lawful pursuit of his occupation, the providing of easy means of internal communication is the first duty of a government; and accordingly as these duties are well or ill performed must they who direct the affairs of the Province be adjudged. The argument that the Government not being in possession of the year's revenue at once, but receiving it by instalments, somo works must necessarily bo deferred until the closo of the year, sounds reasonable enough, but "that the works so neglected should be just those that are most urgently needed, would show either indifference to the interests of a large portion of the

Popple or very detective judgment on the part of those who govern the Province. According to our contemporary the Superintendent will shortly visiWbe coast, and the public will then possibly haVe an opportunity of gaining an explanation of the vexatious delays in the performance of the various public works—a delay that has contributed largely to the depression of the district.