DEVELOPING THE THAMES.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXII, Issue 186, 19 August 1901, Page 5

DEVELOPING THE THAMES.

ME J. WALKER'S PROPOSAL.

(By Telegraph.—Own Correspondent.)

WELLINGTON, this day.

Mr J. W. Walker, popularly known as Long Drive Wailker, waited on the Minister of Mines this morning- in order to submit th<± following proposal for his consideration: That 040 acres north-east of Thames goldfield be taken out of the goldfields area, Mr Walker to have the power of floating a company in London or elsewhere, and be entirely relieved from the operations of the Mining Act. The area is j bounded on the east by the dividing range between Mangakirikiri and Karaka Streams, on the north by the dividing range between Tararu and Karaka Streams, and on the west by Gloucester, Manchester and other properties, and south by Thames goldfields. The Minister asked what consideration the Government will receive if Mr Walker's proposal is granted. Mr Walker said he proposed to give the Government one and a-quarter and the Thames Hospital one and a-quar-ter from the profits, and employ labour to the extent of £ 5000 a year for three years. The Minister said that was ma.tter with which he would not deal as it affected the operation of the (lOldnedds Act as well as the interests of native owners. The matter would therefore require special legislation, but if Mr Walker would put the proposals in writing they would be submitted to Cabinet. Mr Walker said he desired to have matters placed on a business-like footing in tbe interests of the people in London, who had to find the money.