OHINEMURI COUNTY COUNCIL.

Auckland Star, Volume XXVIII, Issue 260, 9 November 1897, Page 2

OHINEMURI COUNTY COUNCIL.

At the Ohinemuri County Council meeting a letter was read from the Government enclosing one from Kobert Rose, manager of the Waitekauri G.M. Company, in reference to the present system of estimating gold duty at 2s per ounce for gold of less than 20 carat fineness. Mr Rose pointed out the difficulty of making a success of the treatment of these low grade ores, especially -when hampered by inequitable levies such as this. His Company had spent £90,000 in the district, and was now employing over 100 men in mining, and he felt it most unjust that they should have to pay more duty than is paid in any other part of NewZealand. The Government wished for an expression of opinion from the Council. The Council decided that they could not give an expression of opinion as the members were divided in opinion. A long discussion took place on a notice of motion by ,Cr. McAndrew to purchase

from Mr Mitchell some five acres of land for use in connection with the water supply , for the sum of £200. Cr. Barry held that I the land was not required, and he failed to : see why the Council should pay £200 for : something they did not require. Cr. Corbett agreed with Cr. Barry. Cr. Nash seconded the motion. Ultimately it was resolved to offer Mr Mitchell £100 for any riparian rights he may possess, and one acre land. This offer was accepted by Mr Mitchell. Decided on motion of Cr. Nash to form footpath on one side main street, Karangahake