. Auckland November 4th. 1869 My dear Sir, Some short time ago you asked me my opinion on the Ohinemuri question, and as to the feeling of the diggers on the subject of opening up that Sistrict for gold-mining purposes. I answered you in general terms to this effect - that no doubt there was a desire on the part of a section of the Thames community to see that district opened, but that I thought there were many who considered that the Thames, as far as hitherto developed, and looking to its inevitable extension, afforded plenty of openings for the employment of the comparatively limited Capital and labour at its disposal; and that it would be a wise act, as far as the was concerned, not to press the subject at present. My reasons for saying so much, I will give you as concisely as possible:- - I do not believe that the individual digger has as much interest in the opening up of the Ohinemuri District, as the Capitalist, unless the leasing system is altered, to the extent at least, that no leases shall be granted for virgin land, supposed to be auriferous, until due time has been allowed to admit of its being prospected, and taken up by the Digger, under his Miner's Right.