The Westport Times. TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 1874.

Westport Times, Volume VIII, Issue 1227, 10 November 1874, Page 2

The Westport Times. TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 1874.

The current discussion on the subject of the Westport Colliery Reserve should lead to action. Following up the remarks made in our last issue, it is well to again urge that mere discussion is not sufficient, The Weslport Municipal Council should put forth all its energy —thus redeeming past sins of omission—to place the tenure of sections on a clearly defined and equitable basis, as between the present allottees as tenants and the General Government as landlord. That is if the absolute sale of the sections cannot be presently obtained. "To this end it would strengthen the bands of the Council and give greater weight to the movement if the holders of sections on the reserve sign and present to the Council a memorial praying that action should be taken, on their behalf and in the interests of the general community. It will be better to thus respect constituted authority than by separate action incur the risk of even negative pleading for redress the concession to be asked must be twofold. The Provincial Government is still responsible for the faithful performance of the contract made with the section holders whereby in terms of the Superintendent's own proposal the rate of rent was arranged for fourteen years on a graduated scale, culminating in five years time in the annual payment of a sum equal to the fee charged under the Goldfield3 Regulations for a business license. This arrangement the General Government is bound :'n all honor and honesty to prevail on the General Government to keep intact, while on rhe other hand the latter, in whom the Reserve is now vested, is equally responsible for the due fulfilment, in letter and in spirit, of the obligations incurred by the Provincial Government, and any objection raised will be most unjust. As previously pointed out, the majority of the occupied sections on the Reserve are

in the best possible position for leasing, as being a sufficient distance from the line of railway to obviate any obstruction to the works required for the coal depot and adjuncts to the wharves, and as facing the main thoroughfare of the town, the highway leading inland. Other reasons plentifully suggest themselves. Chief among them is the one plain fact that in good faith the section holders have paid rent, have built on their sections, are now engaged in business thereon, and cannot It would bo absolute ruin to many to be compelled to pull down and re-erect their buildings elsewhere. It would moreover be an act of the most gross injustice to so compel them, and would be met with opposition more strong than those in authority may deem possible. Whether as a question of justice or expediency it is meet that a settlement should be instantly arrived at, and the Municipal Council, backed by residents within the Borough, should make all other matters subordinate until a satisfactory issue is effected.