The Westport Times. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 1873.

Westport Times, Volume VII, Issue 1122, 7 November 1873, Page 2

The Westport Times. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 1873.

The election addresses already published" by candidates for seats in the next Provincial Council indicate to some extent the current of public expectation in matters political. Such addresses are but as limed twigs set by cunning fowler, and although essential, as conveying in terse and ■ comprehensive form the professed opinions and intentions of candidates, they indicale rather what, the electors -most desire, fian what the candidates really intet d shall eventuate when the coveted seats arc secured. Au attractive and judiciously worded address has its beneficial and necessary uses, like any other form of advertisement, but the little weakness that advertisers have for proclaiming the superlative and special value of their own wares above all others, is shared likewise by aspiring politicians. The study of a column of election addresses is suggestive. The reader will find therein, in bold array and attractive guise, all the popular demands of the hour, coupled with earnest professions by candidates that to satisfy each and every such demand, they are ready to do battle in their country's cause, or, metaphorically speaking, perish in the attempt. For iuslance, in the addresses now before the public, and as published in the Nelson papers, candidates promise extension of the railway from Foxhili to the Coast; harbor extension; public works; development of mineral resources; reconstruction of the Executive: loan for public works ; entire change of provincial policy; strict economy in expenditure;'

employment pf thoroughly efficient provincial servants ; and a host of minor- promises, expressed and im| lied, of which, if but one-half are redeem >d during the coming term of office, provincial affairs will present 'a'model of enlightened progression. Ou Goldfields matters Nelson candidates are reticent, possibly because therein they have no knowledge, possibly also because such matters are deemed of no concern except to residents on the Goldfields. The candidates for the Central Buller District, as a matter of course, make goldfield topics a speciality in their programmes. One, on the plea of having followed mining pursuits for many years, claims sympathy with the miner in general terms. The other speaks more definitely, and gives as his opinion that the Goldfields ought to be ('e lit with as a miner would deal with a payable claim, every facility should be afforded for working them speedily and to advantage. The more each branch of the mining interest, whether reefing or alluvial, is brought into work, he says, the better for the revenue as well as for the miner and the storekeepers; therefore it ought to be the first business of those in authority to provide tracks, bridges, main water races, and central crushing establishments, as early as possible, on all important goldfields requiring them. He promises, of course, if elected, that he will endeavour to compel a distinct and vigorous goldfields policy on the part of the Provincial Government. Westport and Charleston candidates have not yet declared themselves explicitly, but doubtless their political sentiments will chime with the hour, and all that electors would wish declared will be declared unto them.