Page:Banking Under Difficulties- Or Life On The Goldfields Of Victoria, New South Wales And New Zealand (1888).pdf/148

Rh “How well this was carried out in the face of insuperable difficulties none can judge but those who witnessed the extraordinary efforts made for that purpose (or, as it were, his inner life) in the organisation of every department for carrying on the government satisfactorily.

“Under the comprehensive title of ‘Commissioner’ he performed the various duties of a deputy-superintendent, treasurer, magistrate, warden, and a host of other duties that came in those rude times under his supervision.

“As a man of principle, he was firm and unyielding, whilst his integrity and honesty of purpose were unquestioned even by his bitterest foes. For who is there in such a position that could avoid making enemies, even whilst rendering strict justice; more especially by one who took a secret pleasure in defeating the machinations of those who sought to pervert its due course for their own selfish purposes.

“Ever ready to listen to the calls of humanity, every case of sickness caused by accident or temporary destitution was cared for; medical attendance provided, until a hospital could be erected, or a building, such as could be extemporised under great pressure for that purpose, in Revell-street, was prepared.

“So arduous were these duties, that from early morn to deepest night (except when on the bench) he was literally besieged by applicants for assistance or advice; ofttimes very wearying from the absurdity or ignorance displayed.

“A change in the Government of Canterbury brought about a still greater change in the financial affairs of Westland. Jealous of the rising importance of this district, they placed a check upon its rapid progress—hitherto the Commissioner had full powers not only to subsidise many improvements made by the inhabitants for the advancement of the town, but of forming streets, erecting public buildings, making a wharf, protecting the river banks, &c.; but this was all suddenly suspended.

“All money received as revenue was ordered to be paid into the Bank of New Zealand to the credit of the East Canterbury Government; all public works were countermanded until the plans, with the accompanying details, were submitted for its approval; nor were any bills to be paid until authorised by its vouchers. Thus the whole course of public improvements (so much needed in a young community) became paralyzed, and prevented for a time the completion of work already far advanced.

“One circumstance alone will prove the vast amount of damage to the town by this ill-advised restriction placed on the public purse. The inroads of the Hokitika River below the wharf had become very serious; several acres of the north bank, betwixt the wharf and the sea, had been swept away, which so alarmed the merchants of south Revell-street that they subscribed a large sum of money to continue the river protection westward. A sum