THE WEST COAST AS A PROVINCE.

Westport Times, Volume VII, Issue 1093, 29 July 1873, Page 2

THE WEST COAST AS A PROVINCE.

[gretmouth stab.]

The intimation that the Government has consented to bring in a bill to change the County of Westland into a Province with an elected Superintendent, appears to be looked upon by some as a great concession, and one demanding a powerful outpouring of gratitude. We are not disposed so to regard it. The proposed change, if it is accomplished, (which, judging from past! instances of attempted legislation for the Coast, is at least doubtful) is of no very great importance in itself. Aa far as it goes it no doubt will be useful, in allaying dissatisfaction and giving increased powers to the Council in managing Westland affairs, But in our opinion the Coast should take advantage of the Ministerial mood toward* reform, and urge changes of a far more important kind, which have long been desired, but hitherto ineffectually sought, and concerning which repeated failure seems to have resulted in the quiescence of despair. We refer to the unification of the mining districts of this Coast under one local government, and we are inclined to think that if this was now urged strenuously upon the consideration of the Ministry, there is a better prospect of its realization than has existed for a long time past, and tho South West Goldflelds may at length obtain their emancipation from the petty despotism of Nelson. The people must, however, take the matter in hand without delay, and in a wholehearted manner, if they would avail themselves of the opportunity pre* sented, otherwise the disposition of tho Ministry to do justice to the Coast

timy become leas 'real, or their attention be engrossed by other matters. Our members also cannot be expected to keep up a high pressure throughout the session : at least they have hitherto proved themselves incapable of doing so, and on this account it is advisable to suffer as little time as may be to be lo*fc. It is unnecessary to repeat all the arguments in favor of the measure we advocate which were held as ample warrant for its adoption a year ago. They are as Weighty and incontrovertible now as then, railway scheme's notwithstanding. What we do urge is the most instant and vigorous action on the part of the people of the Nelson ■South West Goldfields.