CORRESPONDENCE.

Westport Times, Volume VII, Issue 1050, 28 February 1873, Page 3

CORRESPONDENCE.

HIS HONOR'S SPEECH. ( To the Editor of the West-port Times.) Sib, —The speech, which his Honor delivered at the Masonic Hall waß attentively listened .to as one of those glowing and pictorial delineations for which the speaker has everywhere become famous. —to say that he was very much indebted to such, accessories as his ingenuity or sophistry brought into use, might or might not be uncharitable, by whatever means however obtained, the result was undeniable that his Honor succeeded in producing a pleasing and comforting picture of Westportfs future: but alas, for the past! For such pleasing anticipations it is only proper to be thankful, inasmuch as it is the future alone we have anxiety for, andit Would be inadvisable to review the past. It has been generally conceded that further opposition to the policy and action of the Provincial authorities must continue to end in disappointment, it will be better, therefore, to conciliate the powers that be than invite their opposition. We have for the last five years persistently, honestly, and with justice entered our solemn protests by meetings and memorials against the misgovernment of the Nelson South-west Goldfields. and at this date can point to no concessions we have ever obtained, which have been in anywise contrary to the will and pleasure of the Superintendent, so that to continue such an unequal contest, would be absolute folly. This determination the people fully adopt, and therefore, intend to leave the concerns of this district submissively within the charge of his Honor. Let us hope, however, that if he continues to visit us more frequently he may acquire such information concerning us as may induce him to be more liberal in his opinions and treatment of this remote part of the province. I should like to reply to the challenge offered by his Honor at the meeting, to any one to prove that he ever failed to make good any promises he made, as he seemed rather jealous about that matter; haply a very hopeful sign for us. I must confess that I for one hold him innocent of any such gross accusation—for this simple reason, that we in this place never knew him guilty of ever making a definite promise at all. It is true we have interviewed His Honor on many important local matters, which have in every instance, as he professes, had his best wishes—but somehow the subject either " had to be first considered hy his Executive," or *• the Engineer would report upon it " or "no doubt Inspector Shallcras3 would see what could be done to further the wishes j" but of course he " could not give a decisive answer himself." Under these circumstances His Honor became valiant, forsooth ; and challenged right and left any one to say he ever left a promise unredeemed. Then again he complained that the local press and others had represented him as using every effort to stultify the Municipal Petition, a complaint more specious than serious, for what man amongst us ever accused His Honor of such folly or heartlessness. These two subjects seem to have given His Honor serious annoyance, but are really less worthy the trouble of his resentment, than his attention as a special pleader. Hence all his misrepresentation about the Separation Petition, and his ungenerous attack upon the County of Westland. It is well-known we prayed to be placed under such a form of local selfgovernment, as might appear to the Government of the day best adapted to remedy the evils of which we complained, but no, the Superintendent ever anxious to invent opportunities by which he may appear to sacrifice himself in our interests, represents our petition as desiring annexation to W estland ; reiterating the cry of his parasites when they canvassed the district on behalf of the Anti-separation Petition. This coincidence of opinion may serve to indicate the connection His Honor had with the canvassers, as their easy[circumstances amongst us, under his protection, certify to the rewards which they received for their zeal in the cause of their Superintendent I have only to reiterate the hones expressed at the Meeting, that his official visits will be continued, that they may tend to open his heart and mind towards us, in order that the consideration we could never get by agitation may be vouchsafed to us, in consideration of our present forbearance. I am, &c, John Mukeo. • (To the Editor of the Westport Times.) Sib, —Your statement in to-day's Times, that Mr Alexander Eeid had declined to have anything to do with the Editorship of the ' Nelson Colonist' will be read by many more, besides myself, with feelings of relief and thankfulness. During a lengthened residence in this Province, I have never yet known the proprietors of the ' Colonist' ever able to secure the services of an upright and independent journalist, and when it was announced with a flourish of trumpets, that Mr Reid had undertaken the Editorship of that journal, people who knew the manliness of Mr Reid's character shook their heads and said, "strange things were happening." As one of Mr Reid's constituents, I an therefore thankful and happy that such was not, or I am sure, ever can be the case. Yours &c., An Elector. Friday, February 21> 1873. [For remainder of news see 4fc* page.~\