The Westport Times. FRIDAY, MAY 24, 1872

Westport Times, Volume VI, Issue 973, 24 May 1872, Page 2

The Westport Times. FRIDAY, MAY 24, 1872

Tt is satisfactory to note that the suh«ject of local government is now being generally discussed in Westport, and that tho public mind is awakening to the stern necessity for sotno united action in the matter. The old stock arguments against local taxation and the probable interference with sundry cherished abuses to arise from the exercise of local authority, are not yet altogether discarded as a rallying cry for self opinionated obstructionists, to whom progress has no charms and hnpovemont is but synonymous with annihilation ; but the very general opinion expressed by all who have any ideas or thoughts beyond the necessities of each passing hour, is that the sooner local government is initiated the better for all classes. If, as may be justly assumed, the past sins of omission and commission may be taken as indications of the future policy to be exercised in Westport matters, it is very certain that it will bo but lost laboT to keep- up'a perpetual cry of discontent against a Provincial Government, either case hardened and indifferent to aU appeals for justice, or else in reality unable to fulfil its duties. Jupiter has been called upon so often, has proved himself so impenetrably obtuse to either reason or argument, that our only resource now is to put our own shoulders to the wheel, and struggle as best we may out of our slough of difficulties. The disasters of the present week might have been indirectly averted in some degree had,, local government existed. Palmers ton street, which must necessarily bo the main artery and business thoroughfare of Westport, instead of presenting as it now does a long vista of mud boles and reeking abominations, might have been a wide, well formed street, the insignificant streak of gravel now being laid down by slow degrees, might have given place to substantial macadamite, the footpaths might have formed pleasant promenades, and busi ness men, now driven foot by foot from house and home by the encroaching sea, might have taken heart of grace and moved at their leisure to permanent and safe abiding places, to the manifest benefit of the entire community. The feeling of perpetual unrest now prevailing will not be calmed, the dormant energy of trade will uever be aroused, business men will not embark in definite and comprehensive commercial transactions until the permanent occupation of a safe site for the town is once and for ever settled. To this end no means can be more effective than the united action of those whose interests are most vitally affected. Private enterprise, struggling single handed with manifold difficulties, may accomplish a little, but nothing can possibly tend to advance the prosperity of Westport so much as the advancement of public works and improvements by the combined and systematic efforts of the many. Grave doubts may bo reasonably entertained as to the ulterior designs of the Nelson Executive in introducing Ibo Towns Improvement Bill, but the expenditure of money, raised by local taxation for local purposes would in no degree weaken any claims for either General or Provincial Governmental expenditure, but would rather serve as a ground of just appeal for increased ass:stance. There is doubtless a fear pervading tho minds of many that local taxation might be found to press heavily in individual cases ; but it must be remembered that the Towns Improvement Bill' specially restricts the levying powers of tho Boards to strict accordance with the wishes of residents, in whose hands a very large share of the control of public matters will be entrusted.